By KRIKOR KHODANIAN
Since the Velvet Revolution of 2018, Armenia has been recognized as a democratic nation where freedoms, including the right to seek power through elections, are respected. However, certain forces remain unwilling to operate within the framework of democratic culture and its rules.
Last week, an attempt to seize power by force was uncovered. Participants in this plot were reportedly transported to Russia, where they were paid to attend three-month meetings and receive weapons training.
According to Armenia’s Investigative Committee, the recruits were informed that their objective was to return to Armenia, overthrow the current government, and “cleanse” the country. Fortunately, some of the recruits refused to participate and returned to Armenia, while the remaining group members were arrested by law enforcement before they could carry out their plan.
The Armenian authorities have not publicly commented on the incident or its ties to Russia, likely to avoid further straining relations with the Kremlin. Full details of the plot remain unclear.
In parallel, Bagrat Galstanyan continues his own “holy struggle” to seize power. Speaking to a half-empty hall at the Sports and Concert Complex, Galstanyan claimed that Armenia needs a legitimate government. He promised to resume mass gatherings in October, though it remains to be seen how he plans to establish this so-called “legitimate government.” In a democracy, legitimate governments are formed through free and fair elections. However, Galstanian and his supporters seem to favor street protests to overthrow the government, a tactic rejected by the vast majority of the people of Armenia. Even those dissatisfied with the current leadership of the country know that they can express their opinions in the 2026 elections.
Whether through terrorism or street protests, both approaches stand in opposition to democratic principles and are widely rejected by society. Certain factions linked to the former regime seem unable to accept this reality, believing that by repeating failed tactics again and again, they can achieve different results and further their destructive agendas.
“MASSIS”
