Edgar Arakelyan Resigns from Mandate to Oppose Nikol Pashinyan

The newspaper "Hraparak" reports that "some explained the resignation of "My Step" faction member Edgar Arakelyan from his mandate as a result of disagreements with the team and the deputy’s principled stance. However, our sources indicate that this actually occurred as part of punitive actions aimed at opposing Nikol Pashinyan.

Before the announcement of his resignation from the mandate, Arakelyan, who had publicly opposed the government's position on the Amulsar issue just days prior, was seen loudly arguing with Ruben Rubinyan in the National Assembly's buffet, justifying himself on several points. Rubinyan is a prominent representative of the Pashinyan camp and serves as his right-hand man in the faction.

According to our sources, a tough conversation took place in the faction the day before. Everyone was warned that they could express their opinions as long as there was no consolidated decision from the faction, but once a final decision is made, they must vote in favor as one.

Nikol Pashinyan became extremely angry with the faction leader, accusing him of weakness and not being in control of the situation. He even stated that if this continues, he would disperse the National Assembly. Subsequently, it seems they decided to punish specific individuals to instill fear in everyone’s eyes, ensuring that such rebellions do not occur in the future. A few individuals are also on the 'black list,' for example, Sofia Hovsepyan, Mikhail Zolyan, and others. However, it is possible that in their case, they will be limited to showing a “yellow card.”