Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s November 14 speech in the Armenian National Assembly reveals an irresponsible and dismissive attitude towards the statehood and democratic values upon which the Republic of Armenia is built. The principles and values enshrined in Armenia’s Declaration of Independence serve as the foundation of our nation, affirming the people’s right to sovereignty and establishing a legal, democratic state.
The 1990 Declaration of Independence is Armenia’s foundational document, affirming the country’s sovereignty and core identity, including the Armenian people’s right to self-determination and the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The Declaration also established the democratic system that enabled Nikol Pashinyan, as an elected leader of the people, to assume the role of prime minister. This Declaration was ratified by the very people who chose Armenia’s future and sought to build an independent and democratic nation with respect for international legal norms. The world has acknowledged and accepted Armenia, including through membership in the United Nations and other major global institutions.
Pashinyan’s unacceptable statements regarding the foundations of Armenia’s statehood and national identity cast doubt on the future of our nation. His remarks seem aimed not at addressing the pressing issues facing the Armenian people, but rather at shifting the blame for the failures of his leadership onto the populace. Such statements weaken public trust in the governmental structure of the Republic of Armenia, putting the national security and sovereignty of our country at risk.
His careless and derogatory remarks, including the claim that “a true Armenian citizen does not search for a homeland or state outside Armenia,” seem to aim at downplaying the historical and national victories achieved by our people over decades. This rhetoric diverts attention from real issues and represents an attempt to evade responsibility. It is hard to imagine that a prime minister, elected as a leader of the people, would adopt such a dismissive stance towards the statehood of Armenia. The reality is that our democratic nation is built upon the same Declaration that enshrines Armenia’s core values and objectives. With such rhetoric, Pashinyan distances himself from being a representative of the people, becoming a figure who distorts and undermines Armenian identity and attempts to plunge the state into an abyss.
Pashinyan’s contradictory political rhetoric signals his irresponsibility in governance, reflecting an effort to deflect blame for his administration’s accumulated issues onto the people, disregarding his role in safeguarding statehood. If he does not understand or refuses to recognize the principles on which our nation stands, it is difficult to imagine him governing it with honor and integrity.
Ultimately, the Declaration of Independence is not just the people’s right but also their responsibility and guarantee that Armenia will continue to thrive as a sovereign, free, and democratic state. Any attempt by Pashinyan to undermine these values could be seen as a deliberate act to destabilize the state, warranting the attention of national security bodies. Specifically, it should concern Armenian citizens who must take action to hold him accountable.
At this juncture, it is crucial to remember that the foundation and values of the Republic of Armenia are stronger than any politician’s rhetoric or agenda.
