Has Kocharian Changed? Armen Gevorgyan Answers the Question

During my meetings in the regions, one of the most discussed questions was whether Kocharian has changed. I believe that recent years have made him more open and communicative. During this time, he actively acquainted himself with modern management technologies and expanded his circle of human and professional contacts.

This is stated by the former Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia, Armen Gevorgyan, on his Telegram page.

“At the same time, he has remained willful, goal-oriented, and closer to real life. There is no anger or internal tension in him, though there may be some resentment regarding the lack of appreciation for his contribution to the country’s development. But I am confident that this will only help him organize his relationships with the public more effectively in the future.

Yes, Kocharian has changed. The evidence of this is his active political campaign. Because, like many others, he could have pulled back. But he did not.”

There is a question that is often asked by all those who would never vote for Nikol: why Kocharian? I understand the subtext of the question; people want new faces. In different circumstances, in a different situation, this should have been the case. Moreover, under different conditions, Kocharian himself would have liked the same.

But now the country is heading towards disaster. Many understand that only he can stop this process. This is objective—regardless of your personal feelings towards him. It is also objective that many criticize him and direct their sharp emotions towards Kocharian, understanding and accepting that he is the only real alternative in this situation.

It is objective, but unfair, when only he is associated with our country's “pre-Nikol” 27-year controversial pages. It is also objective that he cannot meet the expectations and desires of all reasonable people. Such ideal individuals, especially political figures, simply do not exist in nature.

However, it is also a fact that even after years of malicious and black propaganda, thousands of people who are preparing to live in Armenia pin their real hopes on him.

During my meetings, I say that it is not necessary to love or idolize Kocharian; he should be respected and trusted as the leader of the country, as a politically experienced figure who knows how to lead the country out of this cycle of developmental shocks. And after June 20, demand from Kocharian a strong Armenia—peaceful, secure, just, and developing. Demand from Kocharian progressive teams; demand a professional state system, competent diplomacy, a politically advanced system, public solidarity, economic stability, and so on,” wrote Gevorgyan.