Sunday, 13 October 2024

E Editorial

Times of mental bankruptcy

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The ruling regime in Armenia is in a serious predicament. Officials of the Civil Contract Party are well aware that, in the event of a power shift, they will be held accountable for numerous issues frequently covered by Armenian media. These include the depopulation of Armenians in Artsakh, the capitulation of over 200 square kilometers of Armenia's sovereign territory, large-scale corruption, and other illegal activities.

For many key figures in the government, losing power could lead to long-term legal consequences, driving them to cling to power at any cost. Meanwhile, Armenia’s foreign partners are pushing for significant changes, ranging from amendments to the Constitution—the "Mother Law"—and the Declaration of Independence, to demands for the erosion of national identity, textbook revisions, and alterations to state symbols.

What does this all imply? First and foremost, it signals the irreversibility of the "status quo" established since 2020. This points to upcoming referendums, new elections, and the stalling of progress for alternative political movements. The panicked authorities are focusing their efforts on these issues, hoping this will help them marginally boost the standing of the Civil Contract Party and delay its decline from power.

In these critical times, the Pashinyan family is striving to maintain its monopoly on "creating" colorful situations and shaping public discourse. However, the prime minister and his entourage seem to be running out of ideas to capture the public’s attention with cheap spectacles—such as bicycle races, tolma-wrapping events, and topless swimming parties at Sevan. Even the fruitless press conferences and the first lady’s lavish parties are becoming tiresome and increasingly uncomfortable for the public.

If we ultimately dismiss these efforts as futile, the "legacy" of nearly six and a half years of Civil Contract Party rule will be marked by the loss of Artsakh, the surrender of strategically important territories of the Republic of Armenia, thousands of casualties, countless refugees left homeless, and the degradation of national dignity. These are irreparable losses that will not be forgiven, and the ruling family knows this well. In their current state of intellectual bankruptcy, they seem willing to take any step—even at the cost of humiliation and enduring public scorn—just to remain in the public eye, which for them is synonymous with clinging to power.

Of course, you cannot shape public discourse with jokes, and trying to mask intellectual bankruptcy in this way is like grasping at straws. Setting aside the tasteless public spectacles, it’s important to note that some may not find them entirely intolerable. However, more discerning observers recognize that the real issue is the political vacuum, and the regime’s final attempts at relevance are embodied in trivial acts like riding bicycles, shelling beans, and other superficial displays.

The opposition, which has positioned itself for a responsible role in political life, now has a strong opportunity to challenge the current situation with an alternative that resonates with the general public. This approach could first spark a change in the people's mindset and eventually materialize in a shift of power. The path to a true revolution lies in this alternative—one that did not happen in 2018, but whose urgency is undeniable today.

The Armenian Center for National and International Studies

Yerznkian 75, 0033
Yerevan, Armenia

Tel.:

+374 10 528780 / 274818

Website:

www.acnis.am

  

The views of the authors do not necessarily reflect those of the Center.

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