Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan said during the election campaign that the Ararat Cement plant had been acquired legally 25 years ago and that all taxes had been paid. He was responding to statements made by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, according to Sputnik Armenia.

Earlier, during a meeting in the Shnogh community of Lori Province, Prime Minister and Civil Contract party candidate Nikol Pashinyan said that Ararat Cement, which he described as the “business backbone” of Gagik Tsarukyan, would soon become state property and that a temporary manager would be appointed there.

“Today they are trying to frighten Tsarukyan by saying they will take the factory and give it to the people... Everyone is equal before the law. If you are going to seize something illegally, then you and the state will be responsible for it, because this is private property.

“Understand that he [referring to Nikol Pashinyan] is already in panic and cannot control his nerves,” Tsarukyan said.

He added that he had purchased the factory 20 years ago and was now openly criticizing the authorities.

“That does not mean they should lose control and start doing certain things. When I speak about reality, have they lost their composure? Meanwhile, the authorities are doing nothing good and are not answering for their actions,” Tsarukyan stated.

According to Tsarukyan, the situation is a sign that the authorities already feel that “their end is approaching.”

Armenia’s regular parliamentary elections are scheduled for June 7, 2026. Nineteen political forces — including two alliances and 17 parties — have applied to participate. The official campaign began on May 8 and will continue through June 5.