Pashinyan, who ascended to power during Armenia's Velvet Revolution in 2018, faces crucial elections next year. His relationship with the Church has deteriorated significantly since Armenia's defeat in a conflict against Azerbaijan in 2020. The Prime Minister has previously accused Catholicos Karekin II of breaching celibacy vows and has even initiated moves toward electing a new church leader, contrary to constitutional principles separating Church from state.
Tensions escalated further as 16 individuals, including a prominent archbishop, were arrested over alleged conspiracy plans for a coup against the government. Underlying these tensions is a broader narrative that implicates a wealthy businessman and former presidents, suggesting an organized campaign against the current administration. Pashinyan has strongly condemned these figures, labeling their actions as a “failed revolution of crooks.”
As protests grow and the situation remains volatile, many Armenians express concerns that this ongoing strife could lead to further unrest or conflict, signaling a precarious moment for both the government and the Church.
Tensions escalated further as 16 individuals, including a prominent archbishop, were arrested over alleged conspiracy plans for a coup against the government. Underlying these tensions is a broader narrative that implicates a wealthy businessman and former presidents, suggesting an organized campaign against the current administration. Pashinyan has strongly condemned these figures, labeling their actions as a “failed revolution of crooks.”
As protests grow and the situation remains volatile, many Armenians express concerns that this ongoing strife could lead to further unrest or conflict, signaling a precarious moment for both the government and the Church.
