Edmon Marukyan, leader of the Bright Armenia party, stated on Facebook that the nationalization of “Electric Networks of Armenia” (ENA) is impossible without violating Armenia’s Constitution and its international obligations.
“Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently announced that the nationalization plan for ENA is ready and will soon enter its operational phase. He stressed that the process will comply with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia,” Marukyan wrote.
“But I assure you—it is impossible to seize ENA without breaching the Constitution, the laws of Armenia, and the country’s international commitments.”
Marukyan traced the origin of the controversy to threats allegedly made against businessman Samvel Karapetyan for supporting the Armenian Apostolic Church. Karapetyan, in response, stated: “I couldn’t care less about them or their ENA,” which, according to Marukyan, was then used manipulatively by the government to claim Karapetyan disregards strategic assets—thus justifying nationalization.
He argued that this move is a violation of the fundamental right to private property and warned it could severely damage Armenia’s economy, investment climate, and energy security. He also criticized the prime minister’s legal team, claiming no competent lawyer would support such an initiative.
“And even if they succeed in taking ENA, we all know the property will have to be returned to its rightful owner, and those responsible will be held accountable,” he concluded.