Businessman Ruben Vardanyan: Will He Enter Politics? What Solutions Does He See to Extract the Country from Its Current Situation?

Russian-based entrepreneur Ruben Vardanyan gave an interview to RBC, discussing what type of Armenia needs to be built, phenomena revealed by social surveys, and his willingness to become the "unifier and president" of the country.

On Public Sentiments

“First of all, it must be admitted that the war has left a very serious and deep mark on the consciousness of Armenians both in Armenia and abroad. In this regard, November 9 was a cold shower, but it was an important moment to understand where we stand. On the other hand, it should be noted that the situation of no peace and no war, which we lived in even before the hostilities, unfortunately remained even after the war. Third, of course, this is a political crisis that has existed throughout the Armenian society all year, including the attempts at a change of power, by the way, in various manifestations,” noted the businessman.

According to Vardanyan, three groups have formed within the society. The first is completely disillusioned with everything and sees no future. The second group says, “I am at home, I have hidden from this entire reality, I don’t want to hear anything.” And a small group is saying, “No, we want changes. Let’s analyze what went wrong, draw conclusions so that we don’t let this happen again.”

Vardanyan noted that they have been conducting regular surveys in collaboration with international experts since December of last year. Every three months, a survey is conducted, the results of which show that despite the severity of the situation, about 70 percent of people are more or less satisfied with their lives than the opposite. “This phenomenon is hard to imagine, as we see people living poorly. It is a dangerous signal that society is surviving, and people live every day just to survive,” emphasized Vardanyan.

On Seeking a Way Out of the Deadlock

“Systemically, nothing is changing. Everyone understands this, so what should be done? What kind of Armenia do we need to build? How can we become strong and powerful in this situation? There are no discussions on this issue… There is no state-thinking manifested in that when making decisions, one should be guided by a few important principles—what is important for me, my family, my nation, and my country. The absence of the understanding that the state is my friend, my partner, the institution with which I can collaborate, poses a great danger, not only in Armenia,” noted the businessman.

He added that realizing that one of Armenia's problems is education, they are establishing a leadership and personal development center.

On Ruben Vardanyan's Real Aspirations

“Yes, I intend to enter politics in Armenia. However, this is different from simply wanting to lead a political party or the country. To want to lead the country at this moment, you have to be someone who understands the logic. Because the country is in a very difficult state. The real future is completely unclear. Society is completely divided. In this sense, taking on the responsibility of leadership requires a very brave and risky person... If the elite agrees and thinks that it is the right decision, whether it be me or someone else, any decision is possible, because I am ready to be a shoemaker, a collector, and a leader for my people,” said the businessman.

On a Clear Action Plan

“We need to give a correct diagnosis of what has happened. We have done this work seriously. We understand our ailments. Second, we must unite the efforts of those who are not indifferent and are ready for changes. Third, we must together develop the program that will bring real opportunities for change and exit from the crisis,” Vardanyan reported, noting that they are currently in the second phase. “I want people who are not indifferent, who are ready to sacrifice their well-being, their ordinary daily lives, to say: ‘I am ready to move to Armenia. I am ready to join the army and defend Armenia. I am ready to do everything to ensure peace in Armenia while also having strong security.’ Only by uniting should we develop an agenda; this is also a very important issue,” the businessman added.

“We need to have a social movement. What we are doing within the Future Armenian project unites 108,000 people from 107 countries, mostly from Armenia… We have already created a strategic development center, which is developing a program for certain changes. In the near future, a center will be created related to state governance, as well as changes in the management of future institutions,” he further added.