Two of the newly-formed political parties participating in the recent campaigns presented themselves as having concrete ideologies- Citizen’s Decision including “social democrats” in its title, and the Christian Democratic Renaissance held nationalistic positions. It is not difficult to clarify how serious these parties’ thoughts are. If they continue their activities and prepare for the next elections, then their ideas were not just for right now.
The ‘Menk (Us)’ alliance and Bright Armenia presented themselves as liberals, and the former emphasized its ideology more, but I do not think that it had the time to completely express its array of ideas to voters. Although Bright Armenia is modestly represented in parliament with 18 deputies, I think that the future belongs to parties that are not centered around one person, but instead a values system.
Prosperous Armenia, as they say, is not a party of -isms. Everything is centered around its leader and his visions and desires. Gagik Tsarukyan is obviously a kind person who has helped many people with his charity, and besides that, he is a successful businessman. And that, regardless of what people say, is impossible without some talent. But it is not clear what that has to do with politics and legislation. “I entered politics so that the people can live well” is, to put it lightly, very flawed. The fact that Arab sheikhs trust Tsarukyan and are prepared to invest in his businesses is great. The more work opportunities that come about as a result of this, the better. But it is not understandable why that is presented as a political party and, therefore, a state plan. Prosperous Armenia received 103,824 (8.27 percent) votes in this election. In 2017, the Tsarukyan alliance got 428,836 (27.35 percent) of the votes. The percent decreased by approximately 4 times. There are opportunities for analysis. It is likely necessary for Prosperous Armenia to present a solely political leader and continue on the path of a more classical political party.
Of course, My Step also does not have an ideology. My Step is Nikol Pashinyan, who worked well, and who made a regime change that seemed impossible for most of us, possible. Society does not know anyone else besides the Prime Minister whom it has expectations and demands from. But more about that at the top.
Aram Abrahamyan
