Oppositionist: If 2021 was a turning point for Artsakh,  then 2026  will be the Rubicon for the future of Armenia

ArmInfo. If 2021 became a key moment in determining the fate of Artsakh in a geopolitical sense,  then 2026 will be the Rubicon for the future of Armenia. This opinion was expressed by Armen Ashotyan, Deputy Chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA).

Ashotyan explained with the current political changes in the country,  various participants in the process are seeking to create ideological  justifications for a more convincing presentation of their actions.  In this vein, the RPA Deputy Chairman recalled a recent speech by  Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to the people. Pashinyan  presented a draft ideology of the "Real Armenia", consisting of 14  points. However, according to Ashotyan, the act of "modeling  meanings" is now being carried out not only by the authorities, but  also by opposition forces.

The RPA Deputy Chairman highlighted that the issue goes beyond a  simple choice of whether or not participate  to participate in the  2026 elections. He pointed out the abnormal conditions of the 2018  and 2021 elections under Pashinyan's leadership. Both electoral  processes were extraordinary, which in itself is an abnormal  indicator. As the politician explained that while the 2018 elections  were marked by public euphoria, and the 2021 elections were a result  of public shock,  the 2026 elections could potentially become the  first "normal" elections under Pashinyan, provided that they are  conducted in order and without any unforeseen events. The Republican  assured that the results of these elections can no longer be  interpreted and justified differently.

The politician also pointed out another danger of  unconditionally  transitioning to 2026. Ashotyan explained that if in 2018 and even in  2021, the Armenian Prime Minister portrayed "historical Armenia",  then before the upcoming elections he has already revealed his  anti-Armenian ideology, labeling it as "Real Armenia". Ashotyan also  emphasized that once the US stops influencing Nikol and the EU is in  a weak position,  there are predictions that Pashinyan may turn to  Moscow, which might reluctantly accept him back. However, the  politician himself believes that the Armenian Prime Minister will  persist in trying to leverage Turkish President Erdogan's support  until the very end.