Archbishop Bagrat Addresses Nation from Armenia’s Public TV Station, Calls for Overthrow of Pashinyan Government

Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, saw more anti-government rally today, led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan. Starting at Republic Square, the demonstration drew attention as it moved toward the headquarters of the Public Television Company of Armenia. This protest is the latest in a series of opposition-led actions calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Archbishop Bagrat and his supporters demanded access to a live broadcast to address the Armenian public directly.

WATCH LIVE VIDEO HERE:

Public Television of Armenia, the country’s most-watched TV station, became a focal point for the opposition due to its significance as a publicly funded entity. Funded by Armenian taxpayers, the station holds a crucial place in the media landscape, and the opposition saw it as the perfect platform to deliver their message. The rally’s intent was not for a debate or interview but for an unequivocal address to the citizens of Armenia. Archbishop Bagrat was clear in his statement: "We don't want a live interview. We want a broadcast message. The time for interviews has long passed."

During his message, Archbishop Bagrat delivered a speech aimed directly at Prime Minister Pashinyan. He accused the government of corruption, calling it "evil" and predicting its eventual downfall. He urged Armenians to wake up to the dire situation the country faces, referencing territorial losses, including the situation in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), and illegal border agreements that have led to widespread dissatisfaction among citizens.

WATCH ARCHBISHOP'S ADDRESS HERE:

"We are in an extreme situation," Archbishop Bagrat said. "Daily concessions are made, and the illegal border demarcation has started our movement. Artsakh has been ceded, and our borders are being eroded. Thousands have died, and the current government worships money and power."

The archbishop also addressed Armenia’s business owners, criticizing their silence and urging them to take a stand against the government. "You serve this regime. You have no right to remain silent. Many of you view your homeland as your property, but you will lose it if you do nothing."

WATCH HERE:

Today’s protest was part of a larger movement led by Archbishop Bagrat and other opposition figures who have grown increasingly critical of Pashinyan’s government. The movement, called "Tavush for the Homeland," began earlier this year, following violent clashes between protesters and police near the National Assembly in June. Archbishop Bagrat has characterized this new phase of the movement as one of "victory and hope," with the goal of removing the government from power.

WATCH HERE:

The tensions between the government and opposition have been mounting since the ceasefire agreement in November 2020, following the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. Many Armenians view Pashinyan’s handling of the conflict and its aftermath as disastrous, leading to Armenia’s significant territorial losses and a weakened national security posture. Archbishop Bagrat’s speech today echoed the growing fears that Armenia could face further destabilization and territorial concessions if Pashinyan remains in power.

WATCH HERE:

The protest also highlighted the broader divide in Armenian society, with one side backing the government’s attempts to secure peace, albeit at great cost, and the other side calling for a more assertive stance in defending the country’s territorial integrity. Many protesters view Pashinyan as too willing to concede to external pressures, particularly from Azerbaijan and Turkey, which they believe could threaten Armenia’s sovereignty.