Armenian political figures debate local elections and constitutional changes

Armenian political leaders and commentators are debating the implications of upcoming local elections and potential constitutional reforms. Aram Sargsyan, president of the Democratic Party of Armenia, expressed skepticism regarding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statements about potential early elections, suggesting such moves may be intended to divert attention from discussions regarding exiting the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Former Prime Minister Khosrov Harutyunyan emphasized the need for the opposition to develop a unified tactical front to counter government repression. He noted that the current relationship between ruling and opposition forces in the National Assembly has not been conducive to significant constitutional changes.

In local developments, representatives of the ‘Strong Armenia’ party, including Gohar Meloyan, addressed allegations of irregularities in Stepanavan. Meloyan defended their candidate and criticized the current administration for failing to address economic issues such as youth unemployment and rural depopulation.

Separately, members of the ruling Republican Party, including Zaruhi Batoyan, presented a legislative package aimed at preventing domestic and household violence. The proposal includes replacing simple warnings with mandatory preventive registration for perpetrators and requiring police to report crimes within 12 hours.