Armenian opposition politician warns of 'statehood at risk'

Eduard Sharmazanov, deputy chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), has warned that the country faces an existential threat to its statehood as political tensions deepen following the detention of opposition leader Gagik Tsarukyan.

Sharmazanov joined many others on Friday in condemning Tsarukyan’s arrest on charges of large-scale money laundering and fraud, calling it “political retribution” and “repression.” He said the case was clear evidence of the government targeting its opponents.

“Armenia today stands on the brink of losing its statehood,” Sharmazanov told reporters, accusing the government of repeatedly yielding to demands from Azerbaijan, which he said only emboldens further pressure.

He also criticized proposed constitutional changes, warning they undermine Armenia’s identity by removing references to the Declaration of Independence, international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian character of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and the privileged role of the church.

Sharmazanov described the current leadership as “neo-Bolshevik,” drawing parallels with the upheavals of the 1920s. He accused the authorities of suppressing opposition voices and property rights, insisting that political mandates should not prevent active resistance.

“This is not about Tsarukyan or me,” he said. “This is about the survival of the Armenian state. I am here for the idea.”

He further criticized the government’s treatment of the Armenian Apostolic Church, calling it disrespectful that Catholicos Karekin II was not invited to the newly formed parliament.