This Could Create a Situation Where We Lead to Early Elections: Aghazaryan on Rallies

Achieving a change of power through rallies is excluded. This was stated by Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) deputy Hovik Aghazaryan in an interview with LURER.com, addressing the rally organized today, April 5, by the parliamentary opposition against the current authorities, as well as in support of Artsakh.

“In the best-case scenario, a series of rallies could lead to a discussion on clarifying the approaches of the government and opposition forces regarding the Artsakh issue. If these approaches are diametrically opposed, it could create a situation where we head towards early elections. At that point, each political force would present its perspective,” said the PAP deputy.

Aghazaryan expressed confidence that the current government holds very high legitimacy, representing the views of an overwhelming majority of the people, and even in the event of early elections, the current government would win. “If what I said is questioned, then the issue of early elections must be brought to the agenda by the opposition, rather than forcing the government to step down through pressure,” emphasized Hovik Aghazaryan.

In response to the media's observation that they also came to power by pressuring previous governments, and why they now think that changing the government through pressure is wrong, he replied: “If they bring the entire population into the streets as a sign of protest against our government, that is another matter, but if they gather 5,000-6,000 people for a rally... If the opposition can mobilize the overwhelming majority outside their homes with the agenda they have set, then the question of early parliamentary elections will arise. I am confident that we will be elected again, to the extent that I am sure our actions are correct, but the final assessment will be made by the people,” stated the deputy.

On the question of whether the participation of Serzh Sargsyan would multiply the number of people gathered at Liberty Square, he responded: “The impact of Serzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharian's participation is the same on the same mass, hence adding one does not mean that a significant number of people would double,” said Hovik Aghazaryan, adding that he considers such rallies a political-cultural matter. “Everyone has the right to express their political energy within the limits of the law. It is possible that they will express thoughts and viewpoints during their speeches that could positively impact the government’s adopted policies,” he concluded.