YEREVAN, Armenia: Thousands of protesters gathered in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, on Wednesday, calling for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation.
The protests were sparked by growing dissatisfaction over Pashinyan’s handling of Armenia’s long-standing conflict with Azerbaijan, particularly regarding territorial concessions. Demonstrators, led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, accused Pashinyan of betraying the country’s interests by ceding control over disputed territories.
Chanting “Nikol traitor!” the protestors rallied outside the government headquarters under heavy police presence. Galstanyan, a prominent critic of the government, vowed to continue protests until Pashinyan steps down, warning of further losses for Armenia if his leadership continues. Protesters later marched to the offices of the public broadcaster, demanding airtime to voice their grievances. The interior ministry warned of the use of force if protestors attempted to storm the offices.
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The protests follow Armenia’s recent concessions to Azerbaijan, including returning control of four border villages. This has fueled public frustration, particularly after the 2020 war in which Azerbaijan reclaimed the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Over 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled the region in the aftermath, deepening the sense of national loss. Despite ongoing talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan for a peace agreement, no breakthrough has been achieved.
Archbishop Galstanyan, despite his efforts to rally the opposition, cannot run for prime minister due to his dual citizenship, leaving the opposition without the means to pursue impeachment. Yet, public dissatisfaction with Pashinyan’s government continues to simmer, with calls for leadership that better protects Armenian territory.
