Opposition slams Turkish Foreign Minister’s endorsement of Pashinyan

(Horizon Weekly) – Opposition lawmakers in Armenia have sharply criticized recent remarks by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, accusing Ankara of interfering in Armenia’s internal political and electoral affairs and questioning the silence of the current government.

Gegam Manukyan, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s Supreme Body in Armenia and a deputy of the National Assembly’s “Armenia” faction, responded to Fidan’s public endorsement of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. Fidan had stated that Turkey supports what he described as Pashinyan’s “constructive role,” linking Armenia’s domestic political process to broader regional projects, including the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP).

In a written statement, Manukyan questioned whether any representatives of the ruling authorities would publicly object to the Turkish foreign minister’s comments and defend Armenia’s sovereignty. He argued that no such response should be expected, claiming that Ankara and Baku have become key external supporters of the current government and are interested in ensuring it stays in power.

Kristine Vardanyan, also an ARF member and a deputy of the “Armenia” faction, echoed these concerns, asking why the leaders of foreign states, particularly Turkey and Azerbaijan, would take an interest in the outcome of Armenia’s elections. She said that if Armenia’s leadership is viewed as beneficial by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, this raises serious questions about whether Armenian national interests are being protected.

The opposition’s statements follow Fidan’s recent comments, in which he openly expressed support for Pashinyan ahead of the elections, remarks that have sparked controversy and renewed debate over foreign influence in Armenia’s political process.