Narek Karapetyan, coordinator of the Mer Dzevov (Our Way) popular movement, stated that political attacks on the movement will intensify as Armenia approaches the 2026 parliamentary elections. He made the remarks during a February 1 meeting with Yerevan residents at Tashir Arena, as reported by Panorama.am.
“The closer we get to the pre-election phase, the more unpleasant, aggressive, and vulgar the attacks will become. Of course, we must avoid giving reasons for attacks, but they’re coming. Still, we’ll try to stay balanced and stay the course, because we believe there’s no alternative; change is needed,” Karapetyan said.
He noted that a significant part of the Armenian electorate votes based on individual personalities.
“That’s how it’s always been. People either like someone or they don’t. What we want to add is program-based decision-making. Let’s talk about policies so that people can hold leaders accountable later. That’s our goal.”
Karapetyan outlined a number of economic issues and proposed solutions.
“Three hundred thousand new jobs, especially in the regions. Our numerous visits to the provinces confirm what statistics already show: there’s no work outside Yerevan. I know your taxes have doubled in the last two years, but has state support doubled as well? Are you receiving anything from the state besides angry tax inspectors?
No meaningful change has happened. What has this brought our country? In just one year, 3,000 companies shut down. If each employed an average of three people, that’s 9,000 small business jobs lost in one year.
Now imagine this future: If you want to start a business in Armenia, you’ll get two pieces of good news. First, you won’t pay taxes; second, you won’t deal with tax officials.
Farmers shouldn’t have to worry about selling their crops. At the start of the year, they’ll be able to sign contracts with procurement stations at fixed prices. Then they can focus on production. That’s going to revolutionize our villages. Agriculture will finally be predictable and profitable,” he stated.
During the meeting, the movement’s upcoming plans and vision were also presented, including the “5 Steps Toward a Strong Armenia” initiative proposed by businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan. The core priorities are:
- 300,000 new jobs, especially in regional communities
- Zero taxes for small businesses
- 20% lower medicine prices for all citizens
- Guaranteed agricultural procurement through contracts
- 20,000 affordable housing units with state co-financing
“I personally guarantee these,” Samvel Karapetyan declared in a recent statement.
Parliamentary elections in Armenia are scheduled for June 2026.
