Tensions escalated in Armenia’s National Assembly during a debate on the nationalization of the Electricity Networks of Armenia (ENA), following remarks by independent MP Hovik Aghazaryan.

Aghazaryan claimed that the legislative initiative was intended to provoke anti-Russian sentiment. He urged Russian authorities “not to fall for Armenia’s provocations.” His remarks triggered chants of “Shame! Shame!” from the Civil Contract faction, as reported by Radar Armenia.

During the uproar, MP Tigran Parsilyan reproached Aghazaryan, who then threw a bottle toward members of the ruling faction and challenged Parsilyan to settle matters outside. Intervention by other lawmakers prevented a physical altercation.

Deputy Speaker Hakob Arshakyan ordered Aghazaryan’s removal from the session and barred him from further participation that day as a disciplinary measure.

“What’s really happening is an attempt to deepen anti-Russian sentiment so that eventually we turn to the West and break with Russia—and let’s not forget, the West begins with Turkey,” Aghazaryan said, as reported by Panorama.am .

In response, Civil Contract MP Arman Yeghoyan sharply criticized the opposition: “They tried with Kirkorov, Sobchak, and Krutoy—now they’ve sent Aghazaryan here to falsely accuse Armenia. An official, who by law represents the entire people of Armenia, falsely accuses the country of inciting and begs a foreign state not to react. This is an absolute disgrace,” Yeghoyan said, according to Aysor.am .

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has confirmed that the government’s ENA nationalization plan is ready. He previously stated that a relevant draft law is already in circulation in Parliament, adding that “the church, in this case for ENA’s soon-to-be former owners, is just a smokescreen—the company has practically triggered an energy crisis.”

On June 18, the Public Services Regulatory Commission imposed a 10 million dram fine on ENA.