Armenia: Pashinyan suspends protest movement May 2 /update 15

Event

On Wednesday, May 2, Armenian political opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan called for a suspension of nationwide protests and strikes that began earlier in the day and led to the obstruction of roads - including the route to the Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) - and railroads in Yerevan and other areas in the country. The move came as the ruling Republican Party motioned to support Pashinyan in becoming interim prime minister after its members of parliament (MPs) had initially blocked Pashinyan's confirmation as prime minister on Tuesday, May 1. On Wednesday, the Republican Party declared that it would support a candidate backed by one-third of MPs in a vote on Tuesday, May 8, in parliament; Pashinyan is expected to be the only nominee.

Additional large-scale protests, consequent transportation disruptions, and heightened security measures are expected in Yerevan and elsewhere in Armenia in the coming days.

Context

On May 1, Pashinyan failed to win his bid to become the country's next prime minister, with Parliament voting against the opposition leader 55 to 45. Pashinyan proceeded to call for a nationwide general strike on May 2, as well as peaceful protests and acts of civil disobedience. Tens of thousands of protesters demonstrated in Yerevan on May 2, paralyzing traffic and commerce.

Anti-government demonstrations have been taking place daily in Yerevan since April 13, eventually leading to the April 23 resignation of former Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan. Hundreds of protesters have been detained by police. Sociopolitical tensions have been high in the country since December 2015, when a controversial constitutional amendment changed Armenia's government from a semi-presidential system to a parliamentary republic. Under the new government, the president has a largely ceremonial role while the prime minister has become more powerful. Opponents claimed that the new system was designed to allow then-President Sargsyan to maintain control of the government following the end of his term in April. Opposition leaders have called for a "Velvet Revolution" in a bid to "preserve" democracy in the country.

Advice

Individuals present in Armenia, particularly in Yerevan, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, confirm transportation reservations, allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.