What is the Main Reason for Pashinyan's Staying in Power According to Zatulin

The outcome will depend on the actions of the protesters and the willingness of law enforcement to support Nikol Pashinyan. This was stated by Konstantin Zatulin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration, and Relations with Compatriots, in an interview with the radio station 'Govorits Moskva.' Currently, the acting Prime Minister is maintaining his position due to societal fears stemming from the conflict with Azerbaijan.

'I believe that everything going forward depends first on the willingness of the protesters to go to the end, and second on whether law enforcement agencies and services agree to follow Pashinyan, wherever he goes, in his desire to suppress the protest activity and press the opposition. I’m not sure that they will be so monolithic if the trials continue. All of this is based on the presence of Azerbaijan looming over Armenia. The main reason for Pashinyan's staying in power is the fear that his downfall could lead to an outbreak between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a new war that people in Armenia fear and do not want. This is what is keeping those who disagree with him in line, and today his rating has fallen to an unusually low level. He can no longer gather support for any protesters, unlike the opposition,' he said.

The parliament member added that Pashinyan will try to prevent the 'Tavush for the Homeland' movement from coming to power with the methods he used a few years ago. 'Everything regarding this movement has existed since the issue of handing over villages to Azerbaijan arose. Of course, this was the last straw for those who decided to participate in it. It remains unclear to what extent violence limits the Prime Minister and his supporters are willing to apply. He himself came to power in 2018 by organizing protests that were not suppressed, and any attempts to call for order at that time were viewed as a crime against democracy. Today, that has absolutely changed. What was allowed to him in 2018, he does not want to allow anyone in 2024,' Zatulin noted.