Yerevan to Witness Renewed Anti-Government Protests as Archbishop Galstanyan Pushes for Regime Change

New development in Armenian politics, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan has announced a new wave of protests aimed at removing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan from office. Speaking to thousands of supporters at a concert hall in Yerevan on Sunday, Galstanyan pledged to resume street demonstrations next week, starting on October 2 in Yerevan’s Republic Square.

Galstanyan, who has gained prominence as a leader of the anti-government movement, emphasized that the protests are entering an “intensive and consistent phase.” He expressed the need for a new government that is merit-based and unifying, stating, “We must form a new government which will be merit-based and will become a government of unity.” His comments were met with enthusiasm from the crowd, which included representatives from Armenia’s main opposition groups.

The protests began in April in Armenia’s Tavush province after Pashinyan decided to cede four border areas to Azerbaijan, a move that sparked anger among many Armenians. Galstanyan quickly became a prominent figure in these protests. When efforts to halt the land transfer were unsuccessful, he shifted his focus to Yerevan, where he called for Pashinyan’s resignation. His rallies have drawn tens of thousands of participants, with the last major demonstration occurring on June 17.

The Prime Minister, facing mounting pressure, accused foreign intelligence agents of being involved in the protests, though he did not specify who they were. Some of Pashinyan’s political allies have even labeled Galstanyan a Russian spy. The 53-year-old archbishop, who also holds Canadian citizenship, dismissed these accusations with laughter, asserting his commitment to the Armenian cause.

Despite the escalating tensions, lawmakers from Pashinyan's Civil Contract party expressed confidence that the upcoming protests would not succeed in unseating the Prime Minister. They believe the government will remain stable in the face of this renewed challenge.

Galstanyan has called on his supporters to prepare for a “patient struggle” for regime change, signaling that the fight against the current administration is far from over.