CIVILNET

Government may bypass parliament to constitutional referendum 11.06.2026 6min

📍 Turkey may have changed the tone of its official statement on the outcome of Armenia’s parliamentary election following a trilateral meeting between Turkish, Georgian, and Azerbaijani officials.📍 Armenia’s justice minister has addressed the issue of Artur Osipyan, a former Karabakh resident who was detained last month after a heated exchange with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Justice Minister Srbuhi Galyan said he should be released from custody pending trial.📍 Galyan also said that although the ruling party did not win the parliamentary supermajority in Sunday’s election, which is required to initiate a constitutional referendum, Civil Contract could still do so by bypassing the parliament. The only option is through the collection of tens of thousands of citizens’ signatures.#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

Opposition party leader charged with alleged tax evasion 10.06.2026 6min

📍 Armenian authorities today filed charges of large-scale tax evasion against Gagik Tsarukyan, a business tycoon and leader of the Prosperous Armenia party which finished fourth in Sunday’s parliamentary election.📍 Armenia’s Central Election Commission has addressed reports of dozens of soldiers being allowed to vote in Sunday’s election after the polling stations had been already closed.📍 Armenians can’t vote abroad. Why it matters: https://civilnet.am/en/news/1012258 #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

Special Report: Armenia After the Vote 09.06.2026 8min

📍 Armenia’s Central Electoral Commission has confirmed a victory for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party in a parliamentary election marked by strong turnout, a reduced governing majority, and two opposition forces entering parliament. While election observers described the vote as largely orderly, the campaign and election day were shaped by allegations of irregularities, heightened geopolitical tensions, and competing international reactions. 📍 The numbers behind Armenia's election results w/ Tigran Mughnetsian- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eat2zegP5U📍 Armenia Votes 2026: Why Pashinyan's Win Falls Short with Eric Hacopian- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJRUtKvDi9oCredits: Ruptly#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

Armenia Votes 2026: Why Pashinyan's Win Falls Short 08.06.2026 23min

CivilNet political commentator Eric Hacopian examines the results of Armenia's 2026 parliamentary election, where Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party retained power but underperformed expectations. The discussion examines why voter turnout reached its highest level in years, how opposition forces outperformed forecasts, and whether Pashinyan's conduct during the campaign mobilized voters against him. We also look at election-day irregularities, Pashinyan's late-night victory speech, and what the results reveal about Armenia's political future. 0:00- Results of Armenia's 2026 parliamentary election 5:09- What does the high turnout tell us about the vote? 7:17- Pashinyan's behavior during the campaign9:52- Alternative pro-western parties knocked each other out 13:13- Pashinyan's 2am press conference to declare victory 15:52- Any impact from irregularities? 17:21- Why does Pashinyan seem upset with the results? 20:23- How would you spin the outcome for both sides? #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #elections2026

The numbers behind Armenia's election results 08.06.2026 16min

Political analyst and election expert Tigran Mughnetsian joins CivilNet to break down the results of Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary election. He examines the record voter turnout, the performance of the major political forces, and how the final vote shares translate into parliamentary seats. Mughnetsian explains the impact of electoral thresholds and vote redistribution, the significance of Prosperous Armenia’s near-threshold result, and whether Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party has emerged stronger or weaker from the vote. 0:00- Reasons for the higher voter turnout 2:44- Turnout by region 4:52- Were people brought from abroad to vote? 5:56- Make-up of the newly-elected parliament 8:38- Pashinyan's lack of a constitutional (2/3) majority 10:07- When will official results be finalized? 10:48- Public funding for parties that passed 2% 12:42- Might alternative pro-west parties work together in the future? 14:04- Is the 4% threshold to get into parliament too high? 15:06- Takeaway from this election #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ

Armenia launches first AI factory: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS 07.06.2026 6min

📍 As relations continue to worsen, Russia further tightened restrictions on trade with Armenia, most recently suspending imports of seafood.📍 Business delegations from Armenia and Turkey held talks in the city of Kars.📍 Armenia opened its first artificial intelligence factory, while also confirming the receipt of extremely high-quality computer chips for a major data center project.#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #civilnetbusiness

The military parade and the polling war 05.06.2026 13min

With Armenia’s parliamentary election taking place this Sunday, Insights host Eric Hacopian examines recent polls and argues that major discrepancies suggest they may be intended to influence voter behavior rather than accurately measure public opinion. The episode also looks at Armenia’s newly unveiled military hardware from last week’s military parade, including Iranian air defense systems and Chinese long-range drones that had not previously been publicly disclosed. Also covered is the arrest of Artsakh war veteran Artur Osipyan on what critics describe as dubious charges. #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #insightswitherichacopian

EU signs off $58 mn aid package to offset Russia’s ban on Armenian imports 05.06.2026 5min

📍 In an effort to mitigate the economic impact of Russia’s recent restrictions on Armenian imports, the European Union has approved an assistance package of more than $58 million, and Yerevan announced subsidies for exporters.📍 Competing political parties in Sunday’s parliamentary election present sharply different foreign policy visions ranging from closer EU integration to renewed alignment with Russia. 📍 Russia, the West and Armenia's election endgame- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG6gzvRbvmE #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

Russia, the West and Armenia's election endgame 03.06.2026 31min

CivilNet’s political commentator Eric Hacopian explains how Armenia’s election race has evolved and where it stands at this point - just days before the vote. The discussion looks at concerns over foreign interference, competing narratives from Russia and the West, and how they try to influence the election’s information space. Among the domestic issues hanging over voters are allegations of abuse of public resources, political targeting of opposition figures, and the unresolved issues of Artsakh hostages. 0:00- Where does the race stand with a week to go? 1:30- Abuse of administrative resources by the government 3:07- Sources of Samvel Karapetyan's wealth 6:29- Foreign disinformation campaigns 10:19- Impact of Russian export bans on Armenia & "Ukraine scenario" 12:42- US & EU influence and support for Pashinyan16:38- Targeting from both sides of Arman Tatoyan & Hayk Marutyan 22:10- Parties won't be banned, but have been neutered 23:45- Factor of the hostages in Baku 25:58- Violations surrounding Pashinyan's arrest of Artsakh activist Artur Osipyan29:32- Election X factors that have been overlooked #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ

Pashinyan, Putin call follows escalation over Armenia’s EU direction 02.06.2026 6min

📍 Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid escalating tensions over Yerevan’s foreign policy direction and Moscow’s recent export restrictions. 📍 Activist Gegham Ohanyan has launched a sit-in protest in central Yerevan. He is demanding the release of jailed Artsakh activist Artur Osipyan, whose hunger strike has entered a second week amid growing criticism from civil society groups. 📍 Rubio’s Armenia visit and the battle over democracy- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=632rH4cYXQE #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

David Ignatius recalls Ruben Vardanyan as “larger than life” on his birthday 29.05.2026 15min

Washington Post columnist and bestselling author David Ignatius joins CivilNet for a personal conversation about Ruben Vardanyan — businessman, philanthropist and former Artsakh state minister — who is marking another birthday behind bars in Baku.Ignatius reflects on how the two met, their work together on the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, and the values that drove Vardanyan to stand with the people of Artsakh during their darkest days. The conversation goes beyond politics, exploring Vardanyan’s vision of Armenian identity, his commitment to humanitarianism, and why Ignatius believes he is "the last person who deserves to be in prison.#civilnet #ՍիվիլՆեթ

Rubio’s Armenia visit and the battle over democracy 29.05.2026 8min

As U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Armenia ahead of the country’s parliamentary election, Insights host Eric Hacopian examines the growing internationalization of Armenia’s political landscape. He stresses that Armenia’s democracy was built by the Armenian people and can only be sustained by them. The episode also covers the government's planned May 28 military parade and new allegations linking Samvel Karapetyan to Russian influence operations in the country. #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #insightswitherichacopian

Independent journalists gather in Yerevan for cross-border media project 27.05.2026 2min

Independent journalists from Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia met in Yerevan as part of the Seizing Synergies project by the Network for Border Crossing Journalism, also known as n-ost. The initiative focuses on cross-border collaboration to strengthen reporting and editorial exchange in an era of growing disinformation, political pressure, and shrinking resources.#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #SeizingSynergies

Armenia, U.S. sign bilateral agreements as Marco Rubio visits Yerevan 27.05.2026 6min

📍 Armenia and the United States have initialed a framework agreement on strategic cooperation concerning the “Trump Route” while also signing a rare earths and minerals deal.📍 A total of 61% of Armenians believe the country is heading in the right direction, a survey by the International Republican Institute shows.📍 The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's election monitoring body has warned that Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary election is going to take place in a highly polarized political environment, shaped by ongoing regional and domestic tensions. #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

Turkey reopens Akhalkalaki-Kars rail line for Armenian trade through Georgia 26.05.2026 6min

📍 Armenia gains new rail access to Europe via the Akhalkalaki-Kars railway. 📍 A new poll shows 75% of Armenians support the county's possible accession to the European Union, though most still want to maintain friendly relations with Russia as well. 📍 Aliyev once again threatens Armenia with war- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5qNcu12oc#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

Armenia approves new tax breaks for tech firms: THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS 25.05.2026 3min

📍 Armenia will consider legislation to introduce reverse mortgages for retirees.📍 Armenia approved changes to a law that grants tax breaks to tech companies.📍 Armenia announced plans to develop a new customs center in the Syunik region.#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #civilnetbusiness

Pashinyan to skip Russia-led economic summit amid election campaign 22.05.2026 6min

📍 Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will miss an upcoming Russia-led economic summit as he campaigns for June 7 elections, amid renewed concerns in Moscow over Yerevan’s turn toward Europe. 📍 Armenia is currently hosting the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles wine competition, welcoming hundreds of wine experts. 📍 Voskevaz Winery and Armenia’s Wine Revolution- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILkLqam97t4#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

Aliyev once again threatens Armenia with war 22.05.2026 13min

As Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev once again threatens Armenia with war while presenting himself internationally as a supporter of peace, Insights host Eric Hacopian examines why the threat of renewed conflict remains central to Baku’s political strategy. The episode also looks at Armenia’s increasingly volatile election campaign, including allegations of vote buying, intimidation, abuses of state resources, and how political divisions are dominating the campaign environment. #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #insightswitherichacopian

New report exposes opposition leader Samvel Karapetyan’s links to Russian Intelligence 21.05.2026 6min

📍 A new report by the exiled Russian investigative outlet The Insider has revealed Moscow’s intelligence network in Armenia. Using leaked databases, they published what they describe as proof of opposition leader Samvel Karapetyan’s collusion with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the KGB.📍 Armenia's Investigative Committee has filed criminal charges against Samvel Karapetyan's nephew Narek, who leads Strong Armenia's election list, for allegedly concealing his Russian citizenship – a status that would have barred him from running in the June 7 election.📍 Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has announced that the government would soon seize the Ararat Cement factory, a major employer in the country, from billionaire opposition politician Gagik Tsarukyan.📍 INSIGHTS: How political distraction became campaign strategy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeGQPjDR8NA #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #dailyarmenia

The politics behind Pashinyan’s public outbursts 20.05.2026 29min

With Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary election fast approaching, political commentator Eric Hacopian joins the CivilNet podcast to assess a race that looks markedly different from previous campaigns. The contest is being shaped by unprecedented levels of spending from frontrunners, while smaller parties compete for visibility through social media. Against the backdrop of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s campaign trail outbursts and an increasingly heated political atmosphere, the discussion turns to whether voters are truly limited to choices between the current leadership and the old political establishment. Hacopian argues that viable alternatives do exist if voters know where to look.0:00- May 18 masked men video 1:33- Pashinyan's multiple confrontations on the campaign trail 5:12- Why has civil society been silent? 7:56- Changing styles of campaigning 10:17- What is polling telling us? 15:17- Are there viable alternatives to the main contenders? 18:43- The issue of thresholds 20:42- Half the parties don't have public platforms 21:43- What figures might be shaping politics a decade from now? #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ