Thursday, October 29 2026 17:42
Marianna Mkrtchyan

Former Justice Minister: Instead of removing Pashinyan, Armenia`s opposition is teaching the public to be content with responses to the government`s actions.

Former Justice Minister: Instead of removing Pashinyan, Armenia`s opposition is teaching the public to be content with responses to the government`s actions.

ArmInfo. Instead of removing current Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan or suspending his programs, the opposition public is being taught to be content with the fact that "at least they're giving an answer." This is how former Armenian Justice Minister Arpine Hovhannisyan commented on today's brawl in parliament, provoked by Nikol Pashinyan's ruling "Civil Contract" party.

According to her, the political quintessence of any government is internal political conflict to one degree or another. "In this case, I think it's also food for political existence. A beating is simply a physical manifestation of hatred and polarization, in some cases even expected, acceptable, perhaps even anticipated by those who elect the government and those who expect something from it. Regardless of the explanation, I don't think it's a coincidence that the broadcast wasn't interrupted intentionally. This will always happen. And it's becoming the new norm, it's becoming normalized. There will always be those who provoke, those who say harsh words, those who can't stand it, those who pass a bottle of water, those who justify it. It's a cycle," the former head of the Armenian Ministry of Justice noted.

In this vein, she proposed introducing the concept of political gravity. Hovhannisyan noted that every government has its own center of gravity. According to her, for today's Armenian government, the center is conflict—with the past, with the old, with history—which attracts everyone around it—itself, the opposition, and the public.

"The government decides when and what the conflict will be about; the rest just spin around. The opposition thinks it's fighting, but in reality, it's spinning around." It reacts, responds, and displays childish behavior that is understandable to humans, but politically – nothing, zero. Moreover, the goals are being substituting. Instead of removing Pashinyan or suspending his programs, the opposition public is being taught to be content with the fact that "at least they are giving a response." "'They are not defeating us' becomes a political achievement. This is dangerous for the opposition itself," Hovhannisyan believes.

The former head of the Ministry of Justice noted that an object in orbit can move at any speed, but it cannot leave it. She noted that in order to leave orbit, the second cosmic velocity is required.

"Not a stronger response in the same direction, but a qualitatively different direction. Their own agenda, their own field, their own center. Until this happens, the authorities will continue to dictate and implement their plans. "Day after day, hour after hour, month after month," Hovhannisyan concluded.

It should be noted that on October 29, after Taron Chakhoyan, a member of the ruling Civil Contract faction, made offensive remarks about the family of Narek Karapetyan, head of the Strong Armenia faction, a verbal altercation erupted in the Armenian parliament. It first escalated into a brawl between members of parliament, and then into a fight. As the situation escalated, Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Ruben Rubinyan did not call a recess, but merely called on members of parliament to decide whether they would continue the brawl or return to their seats. However, tensions not only persisted but escalated further. The Speaker of Parliament was forced to summon representatives of the state security service to calm the members of parliament. The conflict continued in the parliament hallway. Law enforcement officers were forced to build a wall between the ruling and opposition deputies to calm them down. The brawl resulted in damage to state property in the meeting room.

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
Yerevan`s fountains will cease operating on November 1Yerevan`s fountains will cease operating on November 1
ANC: One of the problems of modern Armenia is that the authorities have chosen an unwise policy of constant concessionsANC: One of the problems of modern Armenia is that the authorities have chosen an unwise policy of constant concessions
The GOALS Girls Summit 2026 was held in YerevanThe GOALS Girls Summit 2026 was held in Yerevan
Pashinyan: Khash season is openPashinyan: Khash season is open
The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Lebanon discussed the further development of their partnershipThe Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Lebanon discussed the further development of their partnership
The head of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs is participating in the Manama Dialogue conferenceThe head of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs is participating in the Manama Dialogue conference
Ecuador will take over from ArmeniaEcuador will take over from Armenia
Issues related to the adoption of documents in the field of migration and crime prevention were discussed in ArmeniaIssues related to the adoption of documents in the field of migration and crime prevention were discussed in Armenia
The Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs warns of a new type of fraud via the social network TikTokThe Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs warns of a new type of fraud via the social network TikTok
Head of MoESCS: the statutes of scientific institutes have already been approved, while the formation of governing boards is a priority taskHead of MoESCS: the statutes of scientific institutes have already been approved, while the formation of governing boards is a priority task
Moscow explained the risks Armenia faces by cutting ties with RussiaMoscow explained the risks Armenia faces by cutting ties with Russia
New rules for obtaining residence permits will come into effect in Armenia on November 1New rules for obtaining residence permits will come into effect in Armenia on November 1
Armenia is among 29 countries in which Russia plans to open information and consulting centers, according to the Russian Foreign MinistryArmenia is among 29 countries in which Russia plans to open information and consulting centers, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry
Armenian rescuers pumped out 27 tons of waterArmenian rescuers pumped out 27 tons of water
The opening ceremony of the HayPassl office, designed to issue new biometric documents, took place in YerevanThe opening ceremony of the HayPassl office, designed to issue new biometric documents, took place in Yerevan
The Central Election Commission of Armenia has assigned serial numbers to parties and party blocs participating in the local government elections on November 29The Central Election Commission of Armenia has assigned serial numbers to parties and party blocs participating in the local government elections on November 29
Temperatures are expected to rise in ArmeniaTemperatures are expected to rise in Armenia
Political scientist: Pashinyan`s statements about the adoption of a new Constitution of Armenia indicate that the Armenian Prime Minister has found himself in a multi-layered political impassePolitical scientist: Pashinyan`s statements about the adoption of a new Constitution of Armenia indicate that the Armenian Prime Minister has found himself in a multi-layered political impasse
Armenia`s Ombudsman responded to the Shirak region governor`s statements without pointing fingers.Armenia`s Ombudsman responded to the Shirak region governor`s statements without pointing fingers.
Artsvik Minasyan elected as a member of the Competition and Consumer Protection CommissionArtsvik Minasyan elected as a member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
IDBank Supports the Reconstruction of the Spandaryan Canal: Commemorative Plaque Dedicated to the Project SignedIDBank Supports the Reconstruction of the Spandaryan Canal: Commemorative Plaque Dedicated to the Project Signed
IDBank and Idram Presented Several Environmental Initiatives at COP17IDBank and Idram Presented Several Environmental Initiatives at COP17
Representatives of the Strong Armenia faction discussed the domestic political situation in the country with the Canadian Ambassador.Representatives of the Strong Armenia faction discussed the domestic political situation in the country with the Canadian Ambassador.
Heritage on the brawl in the Armenian parliament: The Armenian government`s political arsenal is practically exhaustedHeritage on the brawl in the Armenian parliament: The Armenian government`s political arsenal is practically exhausted
Pashinyan discussed youth involvement in public administration.Pashinyan discussed youth involvement in public administration.
The Foreign Ministries of Armenia and India held political consultationsThe Foreign Ministries of Armenia and India held political consultations
Alen Simonyan will travel to Moscow to attend a meeting of CIS Security Council Secretaries.Alen Simonyan will travel to Moscow to attend a meeting of CIS Security Council Secretaries.
Opposition factions in the Armenian parliament have nominated a former member of the National Assembly for the position of member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.Opposition factions in the Armenian parliament have nominated a former member of the National Assembly for the position of member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
Anna Grigoryan: The authorities` proposal to join the process of adopting a new Constitution is unacceptable for the opposition Anna Grigoryan: The authorities` proposal to join the process of adopting a new Constitution is unacceptable for the opposition "Armenia" faction
The Speaker of the Armenian Parliament: If the opposition is convinced that the Armenian people are against the new Constitution, let them put the issue to a referendum.The Speaker of the Armenian Parliament: If the opposition is convinced that the Armenian people are against the new Constitution, let them put the issue to a referendum.
“Strong Armenia”: Azerbaijan cannot be a guarantor of peace for Armenia“Strong Armenia”: Azerbaijan cannot be a guarantor of peace for Armenia
Armenia and Slovenia discussed opportunities for the consistent development of relationsArmenia and Slovenia discussed opportunities for the consistent development of relations
Regular Yerevan-Sofia-Yerevan flights will begin on November 7, 2026 – Bulgarian EmbassyRegular Yerevan-Sofia-Yerevan flights will begin on November 7, 2026 – Bulgarian Embassy
The Supreme Judicial Council will consider the issue of disciplinary action against the judge who recused himself in the case of the Catholicos of All Armenians.The Supreme Judicial Council will consider the issue of disciplinary action against the judge who recused himself in the case of the Catholicos of All Armenians.
The Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia held discussions with the Coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental ActivitiesThe Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia held discussions with the Coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities
The lawyers for the former head of the State Revenue Committee: Gagik Khachatryan needs urgent hospitalization, but remains under arrest.The lawyers for the former head of the State Revenue Committee: Gagik Khachatryan needs urgent hospitalization, but remains under arrest.
An oncologist from Armenia has announced his candidacy for the post of WHO Director-GeneralAn oncologist from Armenia has announced his candidacy for the post of WHO Director-General
Deputy Prime Minister: The process of visa liberalization is an important area for expanding contacts, mobility, and ties between Armenian citizens and EU countriesDeputy Prime Minister: The process of visa liberalization is an important area for expanding contacts, mobility, and ties between Armenian citizens and EU countries
Ten people have been detained in connection with a criminal case initiated by the Anti-Corruption Committee of the Republic of Armenia on cases of bribery and bribery.Ten people have been detained in connection with a criminal case initiated by the Anti-Corruption Committee of the Republic of Armenia on cases of bribery and bribery.
Specially protected natural areas, including green zones, cannot be privately owned, says the Prosecutor GeneralSpecially protected natural areas, including green zones, cannot be privately owned, says the Prosecutor General
Discussions on the candidacy of a member of the Commission for the Protection of Competition and Consumer Interests began at a plenary session of the Armenian Parliament.Discussions on the candidacy of a member of the Commission for the Protection of Competition and Consumer Interests began at a plenary session of the Armenian Parliament.
ARFD Delegation Discussed Prospects for Bilateral Cooperation in Russia’s State DumaARFD Delegation Discussed Prospects for Bilateral Cooperation in Russia’s State Duma
«Here’s the screenshot, the money has been transferred»: IDBank warns of fake payment scams«Here’s the screenshot, the money has been transferred»: IDBank warns of fake payment scams
A magnitude 2.6 earthquake struck ArmeniaA magnitude 2.6 earthquake struck Armenia
The Working Visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Turkiye Has BegunThe Working Visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Turkiye Has Begun
An attempt to smuggle an undeclared shipment of gold was prevented at the Georgian-Armenian border.An attempt to smuggle an undeclared shipment of gold was prevented at the Georgian-Armenian border.
Issues of the pastoral and national mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church were discussed in YerevanIssues of the pastoral and national mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church were discussed in Yerevan
A conference dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Hrachya Acharyan`s birth was held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.A conference dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Hrachya Acharyan`s birth was held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Criminal police officers discovered a large shipment of drugs – the Ministry of Internal AffairsCriminal police officers discovered a large shipment of drugs – the Ministry of Internal Affairs
Digital Architecture for a Sustainable Future: IDBank`s Article in Regional Post Magazine                Digital Architecture for a Sustainable Future: IDBank`s Article in Regional Post Magazine            
First Steps in Your Career with IDBank: 16th Cycle of IDream LaunchedFirst Steps in Your Career with IDBank: 16th Cycle of IDream Launched
Rate.Trading. New Digital Culture of Currency ExchangeRate.Trading. New Digital Culture of Currency Exchange
The National Assembly of Armenia will hold an extraordinary session on the evening of October 29.The National Assembly of Armenia will hold an extraordinary session on the evening of October 29.
An Armenian version of the American drama An Armenian version of the American drama "Closer" will be filmed in Yerevan.
Human rights activist: Human rights activist: "Protecting the rights of the people of Artsakh is a matter of the rights of all Armenians."
Former Justice Minister: Instead of removing Pashinyan, Armenia`s opposition is teaching the public to be content with responses to the government`s actions.Former Justice Minister: Instead of removing Pashinyan, Armenia`s opposition is teaching the public to be content with responses to the government`s actions.
Azimuth Airlines is preparing a backup aircraft after the Yerevan-Mineralnye Vody flight returned to its departure airport due to a technical issue.Azimuth Airlines is preparing a backup aircraft after the Yerevan-Mineralnye Vody flight returned to its departure airport due to a technical issue.
One person died and another was hospitalized in a collapse at a sewer line site, according to Yerevan City Hall.One person died and another was hospitalized in a collapse at a sewer line site, according to Yerevan City Hall.
A member of the Artsakh Public Council: COP17 was supposed to be a platform for raising the legal issues of Artsakh residents.A member of the Artsakh Public Council: COP17 was supposed to be a platform for raising the legal issues of Artsakh residents.
ANC Deputy Chairman: Pashinyan, seeing that the opposition is adamant on advancing Aliyev`s constitution, decided to break them with brute force.ANC Deputy Chairman: Pashinyan, seeing that the opposition is adamant on advancing Aliyev`s constitution, decided to break them with brute force.
Read more



Commented
"Strong Armenia": The brawl in parliament was staged to distract public attention from Pashinyan`s failed foreign policy
Zakharova commented on the scandalous epithets of the governor of Armenia`s Shirak region about Zakharova commented on the scandalous epithets of the governor of Armenia`s Shirak region about "Ivanov"
Nikolai Bordyuzha proposed excluding Armenia from the CSTO.Nikolai Bordyuzha proposed excluding Armenia from the CSTO.
The participation of Artsakh ensembles in an international festival in Vienna was cancelled following the intervention of several foreign embassiesThe participation of Artsakh ensembles in an international festival in Vienna was cancelled following the intervention of several foreign embassies
Expert: It`s time for Armenia to move away from uncertainty and choose between West and EastExpert: It`s time for Armenia to move away from uncertainty and choose between West and East
The Armenian Foreign Minister commented on the country`s return to work within the CSTO.The Armenian Foreign Minister commented on the country`s return to work within the CSTO.
The Artsakh Public Council expressed outrage at the UN Secretary-General`s behaviorThe Artsakh Public Council expressed outrage at the UN Secretary-General`s behavior
Lukashenko called for Armenia to assume the CIS presidency in 2029Lukashenko called for Armenia to assume the CIS presidency in 2029
Dmitry Medvedev predicted a Ukrainian-like fate for Armenia amid the country`s shift in foreign policyDmitry Medvedev predicted a Ukrainian-like fate for Armenia amid the country`s shift in foreign policy
Russian Security Council: In Armenia, they want to force Russian asset owners to dispose of their assetsRussian Security Council: In Armenia, they want to force Russian asset owners to dispose of their assets
Zakharova: Russia ready to discuss with Armenia the prospects for expanding military cooperation as part of a review of bilateral tiesZakharova: Russia ready to discuss with Armenia the prospects for expanding military cooperation as part of a review of bilateral ties
Tevanyan: Armenia, like Ukraine and Moldova, is being drawn into the EU’s global warTevanyan: Armenia, like Ukraine and Moldova, is being drawn into the EU’s global war
Yerevan City Hall is considering introducing a valet parking system in the cityYerevan City Hall is considering introducing a valet parking system in the city
Expert: The circus surrounding the “Albanization” of Armenian culture in the presence of foreign ambassadors in occupied Artsakh is genocideExpert: The circus surrounding the “Albanization” of Armenian culture in the presence of foreign ambassadors in occupied Artsakh is genocide
Political scientist: If Russian-Armenian relations are destroyed, Turkey will take Russia`s placePolitical scientist: If Russian-Armenian relations are destroyed, Turkey will take Russia`s place