Yerevan Street Q&A: How Do Armenians See the Next Five Years of Pashinyan’s Leadership?

As Armenia awaits the final certification of its parliamentary election results, The Armenian Report took to the streets of Yerevan to ask a simple question: How do Armenians envision the next five years under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's leadership?

The responses reflected a country that remains deeply divided in its expectations, hopes, and frustrations.

Some residents expressed cautious optimism.

"We'll live and see what happens," one man said.

Another respondent said he could clearly envision Armenia's future under Pashinyan.

"The last eight years have had quite a few positive aspects. The European Political Community summit was held here, which was important. Logistics need to change, and it's time to end dependence on Russia," he said, referring to Armenia's growing engagement with Europe and efforts to diversify its foreign partnerships.

Others focused on broader aspirations rather than politics.

"I simply want our country to prosper and become a flourishing Armenia," one woman told The Armenian Report. "An independent, free country that does not depend on anyone."

Not everyone shared that optimism.

"I don't get involved in politics, but I don't see good things," another resident said. "Right now, I don't see anything positive. I don't know. I can't imagine what the next five years will look like."

When asked to reflect on Pashinyan's previous eight years in power, some respondents described their experience as one of endurance rather than progress.

"Neither good nor bad," one man said. "For me personally, we have simply worked, lived, and survived."

Others were more critical.

"Very bad. I am disappointed," said an Armenian who currently lives in Europe. "I had plans to return to Armenia, but what has happened does not allow me to think that way. There may be some positive developments, but the most important issues — the ones ordinary people do not see — remain unresolved."

The interviews show the mixed emotions felt across Armenian society following a highly consequential election. While some voters view Pashinyan's leadership as a path toward modernization and closer ties with Europe, others remain dissatisfied with the country's direction and uncertain about what lies ahead.

According to the CEC, Civil Contract won 727,160 votes, or 49.81% of ballots cast, placing it well ahead of its nearest challenger, the Strong Armenia Alliance, which received 340,062 votes, or 23.29%.

The opposition Armenia Alliance, led by former President Robert Kocharyan, finished third with 145,097 votes, or 9.94%.

More than 1.47 million Armenians participated in the June 7 vote, representing a turnout of 58.97% of registered voters.

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