Journalists joke that Raffi Hovhannisyan’s press conferences last shorter than the handshaking with journalists and cameramen covering the press conference before and after them. From the perspective of the Armenian psychology, the Heritage Party leader’s behavior really seems strange and even ostentatious. In his speech, he uses phrases, which
seem to us full of too lofty, long and artificial words and romantic. However, the fact of the matter is that Raffi is honest – he really perceives the world that way, he sees his mission and our nation’s role that way. One can debate whether it is right or wrong. However, against the background of universal cynicism and “super-pragmatism,” perhaps this figure’s idealism gives our political palette a warm color. Before the parliamentary election, he tried to “unite” some forces beyond the Heritage Party around him. It was a rather pointless “unity.” But the desire was honest – to go beyond the narrow framework of one’s own party and to create a “broad coalition” of people believing in certain ideals. Residing in Armenia for 20 years, he should have understood that “believers in ideals” are few in his party as it is, let alone searching for them “beyond.” Moreover, he should have understood that “bunko” is a normal and even praiseworthy thing in our country. Going to Baku and presenting our truth to the Azerbaijanis is the same story. It is understandable that the defeated side in the war cannot have broadmindedness and tolerance necessary not only to try to understand, but also to listen to our arguments in a calm and civilized manner. If people didn’t protest against Safarov’s official heroization, there is no hope that they will be able to go beyond the official framework of xenophobia. Particularly given the fact that we are not talking about independent intellectuals, we are talking about party members (there are no opposition and alternative parliamentary groups in the Azerbaijani parliament) appointed “from above.” Given all this, was it worth going to Baku and making a speech to an aggressive audience not perceiving what you say at all? It seems to me that it was. At least to show the difference between our and their worldviews. Therefore, thank you, Raffi.
The Heritage Party leader has no chances to become the President of the Republic of Armenia even as a result of the fairest election – the majority of our population doesn’t need national ideals; it needs a “king” who will “behave himself.” However, Raffi Hovhannisyan has a positive impact on the social atmosphere. Who knows, maybe it will also yield results at some time in the future.
ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
