The political landscape of Armenia fractured further that month with the arrest of Vardan Ghukasyan, the mayor of Gyumri. A long-time and outspoken opponent of Prime Minister Pashinyan’s increasingly westward-leaning foreign policy, Ghukasyan found himself facing bribery charges and swiftly moved into pre-trial detention.
This action ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many alleging a deliberate strategy by the prime minister. Opponents claim Pashinyan is leveraging the power of law enforcement to silence dissenting voices and strengthen his grip on power, particularly as public support appears to be waning.
Across borders, Moscow observed the unfolding events with keen interest. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized the internal struggles as an “internal matter” for Armenia, yet acknowledged Russia’s close monitoring of the situation and its potential implications.
The arrest of a prominent political figure, coupled with accusations of political maneuvering, painted a picture of a nation grappling with internal division and external pressures. The situation underscored a growing tension between Armenia’s traditional alliances and its evolving geopolitical ambitions.
