In the extraordinary session of the National Assembly, the draft law on the nationalization of the electric grid company Electric Networks of Armenia has been included on the agenda under a three‑hour procedure.

MP Anna Grigoryan from the Armenia faction warned, “The process of seizing the electric grid will have a significantly negative impact on the investment climate.” She added: “Fly up, then come down—this is a bill to snatch ENA, no matter how prettily you dress it up,” reports Panorama.am.

According to her, the government pushed the bill for urgent consideration, and she urged an explanation of that urgency—implying it might be linked to businessman Samvel Karapetyan’s remarks on church protection, which could have prompted the government’s response.

“Why urgency? My answer is Karapetyan’s well‑known statement on church protection, which triggered this in government. If you disagree, then explain what necessitates emergency treatment of this bill,” she stated.

In response, Energy and Natural Resources Deputy Minister Armen Simonyan said that terms like “seizing” are not included in the draft and that the goal is to continue reforms in the strategic energy sector.

He stated: “Regarding your phrasing—ENA and seizing—they are unfamiliar; neither appears in the proposal. This concerns continuity of reforms in a sector with strategic importance. As you know, we have many issues in electricity supply. That is the core point. Given its strategic nature, we believe such matters require urgent solutions. That is why this initiative is presented for discussion today.”

Grigoryan questioned why problems weren’t noticed a month or a year ago. “If urgency is due to perceived issues in ENA, did you only see them yesterday or today? Couldn’t you have addressed them earlier?”

Simonyan replied that the problems have long existed, but “today is one of those days” when quick action is needed.

MP Gegham Manukyan from Armenia faction, commenting on the procedure, called it highly dubious, Sputnik Armenia reports.

He said: “This package came to the assembly under a three‑hour regime, yet your ministry said the draft needs revision, and you also mentioned gross uncertainty in state budget expenditures. Such a strategic sector affecting every citizen and their wallets cannot be legislated on in three hours. Moreover, it impacts Armenia’s investment climate, governance, and the energy sector.”

Deputy Minister Simonyan refrained from providing precise clarifications, stating all raised issues will be addressed in a session of the relevant parliamentary committee.

He added: “In my personal opinion, any strategic sector holds great importance, and oversight there is essential. The steps taken are in the interest of Armenian citizens.”

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has earlier stated the state‑ownership plan for ENA is ready. Earlier, he noted a draft on “nationalizing” the grid is already circulating in the Assembly. He added that “the church may serve merely as a facade for soon‑former owners of the grid, which through its activity has nearly created an energy crisis.”

At its June 18 session, the Public Services Regulatory Commission decided to fine Electric Networks of Armenia 10 million drams.