Armenian Protests: A Tale of Peaceful Dissent and Political Upheaval

Armenian Protests: A Tale of Peaceful Dissent and Political Upheaval

A Peaceful Dissipation

The protest action that took place outside the Armenian government building in Republic Square, Yerevan, has largely dispersed. The situation has returned to calm as the police, who had been cordoning off the area, also began to disperse. Movement on the streets adjacent to the square has been restored, signaling a return to normalcy.

The Protest that Wasn’t

Despite threats from protesters to set up a tent city as part of their dissent, there is no sign of such an encampment. The protest was carried out peacefully and ended without any major incidents, indicating its impact was not significant enough to force immediate government action. The absence of the promised tent city suggests either a lack of commitment or resources from the protesters, or perhaps a strategic change in their approach to expressing their dissatisfaction.

The Larger Picture: Political Unrest in Armenia

This seemingly uneventful protest is part of a larger political context in Armenia, where the impoverished former Soviet nation has been experiencing widespread unrest. Concerns about political stability have been raised as Armenia has become increasingly dependent on Russia, which has a military base in the country and controls some of its most prized economic assets. The recent protest was triggered when an Armenian government panel agreed to a considerable increase in electricity rates at the request of the power company.

The Role of External Influence

The ongoing unrest in Armenia has prompted speculations about potential external influences. Some politicians in Russia have suggested that the West or Western non-governmental organizations may have a hand in inciting the unrest. However, these allegations have been vehemently denied by the demonstrators in Yerevan, who insist that their protest has no affiliations with foreign organizations or opposition parties within Armenia.

The Power of Social Media and Youth

The protests have been characterized by the active participation of young Armenians, who have utilized social media to organize their actions. The demonstrations began with three days of sit-in protests, which escalated into a march toward the presidential residence. The demonstration was forcefully dispersed by the police using water cannons, resulting in the detainment of nearly 240 protesters and injuries to 15 people. Despite this, the demonstration resumed with renewed vigor, drawing an estimated 7,000 protesters for a second march toward the presidential residence.

Political Turmoil and the Failure to Elect a Prime Minister

The political turmoil in Armenia was extended when its Parliament failed to elect a new prime minister. Members of the ruling Republican Party blocked the bid by opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan, the only candidate, to become prime minister. This prompted Pashinyan to call for a nationwide day of protest. Protesters responded by bringing roads in the capital, Yerevan, to a standstill and blocking roads leading to key government buildings.

What’s Next for Armenia?

The Armenian Parliament is set to hold a second round of voting on May 8. If Parliament fails to choose an interim prime minister again, new elections must be held. The current upheaval has raised questions about whether Pashinyan, who has played a crucial role in the recent protests, can successfully build a coalition to secure the necessary votes. The potential for violence and destabilization has only added to the urgency of reaching a consensus and maintaining the political stability of the country.