Power as a Personal Portfolio
For over three decades, power in Armenia was not seen as public trust, but as a reward that comes with dividends.
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One clan built monopolies
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Another invented "friends of ministries"
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A third created a media pool and fake moral high ground
All of them promised reforms. All spoke of "the people."
But all used the state as a tool of personal enrichment.
What Was Promised — and What Was Delivered
1999–2008: Era of Administrative Capitalism
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Promises: stability, national army, economic growth
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Reality: business monopolies, destruction of political opposition, and state capture
Parliament became a club of businessmen.
Laws were written to benefit insiders.
Corruption was not a flaw — it was a feature.
2008–2018: Masked Decline
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Promises: modernization, IT parks, European integration
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Reality: mass emigration, regional poverty, artificial growth statistics
While the elite flaunted wealth, rural Armenia decayed.
The middle class shrank. And hope disappeared.
Post-2018: Revolution Without a Doctrine
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Promises: justice, independent courts, end of oligarchy
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Reality: faces changed — rules did not.
Judicial reform remains incomplete.
The economy has no long-term model.
Former power brokers have not vanished — they’ve just changed clothes.
The Oligarchic Model Still Lives — in New Costumes
Today’s authorities often criticize the old ones — and rightly so.
But they have inherited and use the same levers:
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Loyal mayors
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Friendly businesses
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Contract-based media loyalty
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Loyalty over competence in public appointments
Reforms are slow, often cosmetic.
And worst of all — Armenia still has no clear roadmap for development.
The Mechanism of Favoritism Still Works
"You don’t belong unless you’re connected.— Schoolteacher from Vayots Dzor, dismissed after criticizing the mayor
Local Governance as Feudalism
In many regions:
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Mayors behave like landlords
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Appointments are based on loyalty, not merit
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Critics are labeled “opposition” — even when they are just citizens
“Connected” Business Still Dominates
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Public tenders still go to the same players
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Construction contracts go to “new friends” of the regime
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Regional media only survive if they stay loyal
Erosion of Public Trust
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When judges wait for phone calls, not case files
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When a school is built without toilets but with kickbacks
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When public sector wages are favors, not policy
The result? People trust no one — not those in power, not those who want it.
And that is the most dangerous crisis of all.
What Must Change — Systematically
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Transparent Government Spending
Every contract. Every recipient.
Published online in clear, readable format. -
Real Judicial Reform
Fire corrupt judges. No seminars, no symbols — just action. -
Municipal Autonomy
Let people elect, not receive mayors from above.
Power must fear the citizen — not the other way around. -
Zero Tolerance for Double Standards
A corrupt businessman is not a “partner” — he’s a criminal, no matter who he funds.
Final Word
"Armenia is not an asset. It’s a home. But as long as those who enter treat it like a short-term rental, we will build showrooms — not a nation."
It’s time to end the era of power for power’s sake.
It’s time to build a government by the people, with the people, under scrutiny by the people.
We don’t need enemies.
We need a mirror —
And the courage to look into it.
By Lida Nalbandyan, Founder and CEO of Octopus Media Group