PM Pashinyan Touts Democratic Gains Since 2018 Revolution at USAID Event in New York

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized the role of democracy in shaping Armenia’s future, especially in terms of its peace agenda and social reforms during a key discussion in New York. The event, titled "Results of Democracy," was organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and brought together leaders and representatives from various countries and international organizations. The focus was on the impact of democratic values in advancing peace, security, and societal development.

The discussion began with remarks from USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who has been actively involved in supporting Armenia’s democratic journey. Power spoke about her visit to Brussels earlier in the year, where she discussed how to help Armenia move forward toward a peaceful and democratic future. She also visited Armenia's capital, Yerevan, in July to see firsthand the efforts made by the Armenian people to build a stronger democracy.

Power announced that USAID, along with the U.S. Congress and the State Department, is working to provide $20 million to Armenia. This funding aims to strengthen Armenia’s cyber, border, and energy security while increasing the country’s overall resilience. The U.S. remains committed to backing Armenia as it continues its democratic transition, especially after the 2018 Velvet Revolution, which brought about significant changes in governance and political life.

In his speech, Prime Minister Pashinyan shared his thoughts on what democracy has brought to Armenia since the revolution of 2018. He noted that one of the most important changes is the integrity of elections. According to Pashinyan, Armenian society no longer doubts the legitimacy of its elections, which now reflect the true will of the people. This is a major shift from the past, where election results were often questioned, and there were concerns about transparency and fairness.

Pashinyan said that this achievement has made it impossible for Armenia to return to the days of questionable elections. Free and fair elections are now seen as a key component of the country’s democratic identity. The Prime Minister stressed that this progress is irreversible and fundamental to Armenia’s future.

Another major benefit of democracy, according to Pashinyan, is economic freedom. Before the 2018 revolution, Armenia was dominated by monopolies and restrictions on certain industries. Economic power was concentrated in the hands of a few, limiting opportunities for ordinary citizens to engage in free business activities, said Pashinyan. 

However, Pashinyan said that democracy has helped to dismantle these monopolies, allowing people greater freedom to engage in economic activities. This shift has opened up the market, making it easier for new businesses to emerge and for competition to thrive. According to the Prime Minister, the removal of these restrictions has contributed to Armenia’s economic development and the improvement of living standards for its people.

A critical point in Pashinyan’s speech was his assertion that Armenia’s adoption of a peace agenda is a direct result of its democratic values. He noted that democracy has allowed Armenian society to freely question its past, present, and future, building an environment of open debate and reflection. This has made it possible to challenge long-standing stereotypes and reexamine the country’s approach to both domestic and international issues.

Pashinyan believes that the peace agenda, which aims to resolve Armenia’s long standing conflicts—particularly with neighboring Azerbaijan—would not have been possible without the country’s democratic transformation. He expressed hope that this agenda, which is crucial for the stability and security of the region, will ultimately be successful.

The Armenian Prime Minister also said the evolving role of women in society as one of the key outcomes of democracy. He noted that women in Armenia are becoming more active and engaged in the country’s social, economic, and political life. This growing participation is now seen as essential to Armenia’s progress and development.

According to Pashinyan, the increased visibility and involvement of women is not only a reflection of societal change but also a necessary component for the country's future success. He emphasized that the recognition of women’s contributions is now widely accepted by the Armenian people as an important factor in their country's overall advancement.