Speaking to reporters outside Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Court, Narek Karapetyan—CEO of Tashir Capital, shareholder in Electric Networks of Armenia, and nephew of businessman Samvel Karapetyan—stated that the Our Way political movement will not form coalitions with the political teams of Armenia’s 2nd and 3rd presidents in the upcoming elections.
“Every force has its own priorities. Our priority is to present our programs,” Karapetyan said, noting that electoral cooperation will be considered only with young and newly established forces, Sputnik Armenia reports.
Karapetyan stressed that economic strength is a prerequisite for political and security achievements: “The country must be economically strong and wealthy to be a player in this region. If you are poor, you cannot be a player. No matter how much politics you do, you will be the losing side in negotiations. If you are economically strong, you can afford a defense system and solve issues in that format. So, it’s not politics first and then the economy—it’s the other way around. That’s our message to society.”
He emphasized the importance of incorporating expert opinions on sectoral reforms, telling Aysor.am that the movement should set state and public priorities needed for change, after which political resolution will come. “The most realistic path in our political process is elections. I think our society is somewhat disillusioned with street protests, as they have led to sad outcomes in the past,” he added.
Samvel Karapetyan was arrested on June 18 after publicly supporting the Armenian Apostolic Church and criticizing the government. On July 4, from detention, he announced the creation of a new political force.
