Armen Ashotyan, Vice President of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), stated that the party’s move to nominate a prime ministerial candidate as part of the no-confidence process against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has “predictably stirred emotions in both ruling and opposition camps.” He emphasized that RPA’s act of nominating a candidate is a step toward regime change, not a bid for power.

He argued that the initially broad anti-Pashinyan front has devolved—through no fault of HHK—into fragmented offices serving narrow self-interests.

According to Ashotyan, the team of Armenia’s second president appears to have divided roles. “While various bizarre figures engage in aggressive propaganda, the parliamentary faction responds with more procedural resistance.”

Speaking of the critics, Ashotyan noted that although social media and opposition propaganda mostly targeted Masis community leader Davit Hambardzumyan, who was nominated as prime minister in the impeachment process, he was just a pretext. The core reaction, he said, was sparked by HHK’s unexpected and bold step.

He criticized both pro-government and second President Robert Kocharyan’s supporters for settling into a “let’s wait for 2026” attitude. Ashotyan stressed that whoever the nominee was, detractors would have reacted the same way. Addressing those who claimed “they should have nominated Ashotyan or Sharmazanov,” he called for honesty and seriousness.

He recalled an incident when a media outlet accidentally listed his name as a possible prime ministerial candidate, prompting an immediate smear campaign from opposition allies. “That alone proves Davit’s name was just an excuse for their pent-up rage,” Ashotyan argued.

He rejected the idea of waiting passively for 2026: “We are not OK with the ‘Waiting for the 26th’ tragicomedy. Neither I nor my party is.” He invited critics to propose alternative candidates and join the effort. “Our nomination is not a power grab. It’s a step toward regime change. Can you offer a better alternative? If not, at least don’t obstruct us.”

He praised Hambardzumyan as courageous, pragmatic, and patriotic—someone shaped by real life, not media appearances. Unlike some who either don’t understand or aren’t ready, he said, Davit is both aware and prepared. “He has already defeated the ruling Civil Contract party and unlike others, he doesn’t try to cozy up to them afterward.”

Ashotyan expressed confusion over the main opposition bloc’s hesitation. “You acknowledge we are politically responsible for the process, but you’re still unsure. You understand that no other mechanisms exist to curb Nikol, yet you don’t fully leverage your tools.”

He pointed out that during previous initiatives led by other opposition groups, RPA offered full support without seeking visibility. “Let’s be clear—once your signatures are on the form, securing the remaining votes will be much easier,” he said, warning that disunity discourages outside support.

He concluded: “Your distrust toward us is hindering the motion of no confidence in Nikol. That’s regrettable, especially given how we’ve weathered serious trials together, forming a kind of brotherhood.”

“2026 will come regardless. You’ll get your chance again. But before that, answer this—who makes a more realistic candidate for real change, Davit or Nikol?”

Seiran Ohanyan, leader of the National Assembly's Аrmenia faction, posted on Facebook that their 28 signatures are not enough to initiate impeachment. MP Ishkhan Saghatelyan added that impeachment becomes a viable process only with at least two factions and a street movement.