Yerevan, September 23, 2025
Armenian political figure Vladimir Poghosyan delivered a scathing critique of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in an interview with the YouTube channel Noyan Tapan, accusing the government of endangering Armenia’s sovereignty and security.
Concerns Over the “Trump Road”
Poghosyan was asked about public fears that the planned Trump Route transport corridor could allow Azerbaijan to move weapons through Armenian territory toward Nakhchivan.
He dismissed Pashinyan’s assurances that access would be “mirror and equal” for both sides, calling the position naïve and dangerous. He warned of scenarios where Azerbaijani convoys could use the corridor for military purposes, escalating into aggression inside Armenia.
Attack on National Security Services
Poghosyan accused Armenia’s National Security Service of failing in its duty to confront Pashinyan’s policies.
“If you cannot recognize that the Civil Contract government is a threat to national security, you are professionally unfit,” he said, urging officers to resign en masse.
Hostile View of Turkey and Azerbaijan
The opposition figure rejected any notion of open borders with Turkey or deeper trade with Azerbaijan. He argued that Baku had no economic interest in Armenia’s goods, while Armenian markets risked being flooded with Azerbaijani products.
“We will throw them in the trash,” he declared, rejecting talk of friendship while Azerbaijani forces continued to arm and occupy territory.
Call for a “New 2018”
Poghosyan repeatedly invoked Armenia’s 2018 political upheaval, which brought Pashinyan to power, but branded it a “velvet fraud” rather than a true revolution. He predicted that by 2026 the current leadership would be swept away, urging citizens to rise up peacefully but decisively:
“If the people do not stand up, Pashinyan will remain prime minister. The nation must demand his resignation.”
Wider Criticism and Diatribes
Throughout the interview, Poghosyan accused Armenia’s ruling team of incompetence, ignorance of global politics, and corruption. He claimed past governments had at least maintained strategic projects with France, India, and Russia, while Pashinyan dismantled Armenia’s security posture and credibility. He also accused the current system of healthcare “fascism,” citing the story of a cancer patient denied treatment without full payment.
Positioning Himself as Successor
Poghosyan said he was ready to take responsibility not only for Armenia but for the global Armenian nation, contrasting himself with Pashinyan’s dismissal of diaspora ties.
“If Armenians are attacked anywhere, the Armenian state must respond decisively,” he said.
Toward a United Opposition
He confirmed that opposition groups are holding roundtables to consolidate forces, possibly forming a “common front” of 10–15 political movements. While he admitted differences and rivalries remain, he insisted the only way forward was mass mobilization.
“This will not be a revolution,” he concluded, “but an expression of the people’s will.”
