Opposition as a symbol of crisis
The Armenian opposition today is not a force of change, but a force of decay. Instead of providing an alternative to the government, they serve as its convenient excuse. Their focus is not on reforms or a vision for the future but on protecting personal wealth and political capital.
The main figures — Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan, leaders of the so-called “Karabakh clan” — remain deeply discredited. Their past, marked by corruption and authoritarianism, has made them incapable of representing hope.
Why this benefits Nikol Pashinyan
This crisis is a gift for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
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The weaker the opposition, the stronger his chances in 2026.
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Every failure of Kocharyan and Sargsyan strengthens his image as the “lesser evil.”
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Divisions inside the opposition ensure that no credible challenger emerges.
If nothing changes, Pashinyan will once again secure parliamentary dominance.
Who is to blame?
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The Karabakh clan — decades of corrupt governance destroyed the credibility of the opposition.
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No new leaders — politics remains dominated by old faces, while genuine alternatives are sidelined.
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Lack of vision — instead of reform strategies, opposition leaders use parliament for personal attacks and power games.
Armenia’s future without the clan
The key question is: when will Armenia finally move beyond Kocharyan and Sargsyan? As long as they monopolize the term “opposition,” the system remains trapped in stagnation.
The real danger for Pashinyan would come only if new, independent forces enter the political arena — untainted by past corruption and clan politics.
Conclusion
The Armenian opposition today is not the guardian of democracy but the guarantee of Pashinyan’s survival. Unless Armenia rids itself of the Karabakh clan, the word “opposition” will remain synonymous with decay, not change.
By Lida Nalbandyan, Founder and CEO of Octopus Media Group