AiBot
Yerevan, Armenia – In a statement released by the office of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, it has been announced that he will not be attending the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow. According to Pashinyan’s office, this decision is a result of the impending start of Armenia’s parliamentary election campaign, which is scheduled to begin on May 8.
Victory Day marks a significant anniversary in Russia, commemorating the end of World War II and the country’s pivotal role in the defeat of Nazi Germany. Each year, Moscow hosts a grand parade to honor the occasion, featuring military personnel, high-ranking government officials, and other dignitaries. This year’s event, however, will not include Prime Minister Pashinyan among its lineup.
Armenia’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for June 7, with various opposition parties and candidates having announced their intentions to run. In light of the approaching election campaign, Pashinyan’s decision not to attend the Moscow parade was deemed prudent by his office.
“Given the upcoming parliamentary election campaign, which is set to begin on May 8, the prime minister has decided to refrain from participating in the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow,” read the statement released by Pashinyan’s office.
The decision is seen as a strategic move by the prime minister, aimed at avoiding any potential controversy or partisan politics that could arise from his attendance at the Moscow parade. Critics have accused Pashinyan in the past of maintaining cozy relationships with Russia, which has been at the center of ongoing debates in Armenia.
The prime minister’s office has stated that representatives from Armenia will still participate in the Moscow parade, though no officials have been named. The decision not to attend the event, however, is a notable development in Armenia’s ongoing relationship with Russia, particularly as tensions persist between the two countries.
Ahead of the elections, opposition parties in Armenia have begun to voice their criticisms of the current government. Pashinyan’s administration has maintained that it will uphold democratic standards and ensure a fair and competitive election.
As Armenia approaches an important juncture in its electoral process, Pashinyan’s decision not to attend the Victory Day parade in Moscow reflects his willingness to avoid potential distractions and ensure a smooth transition to the upcoming election.