Two former members of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party, recently ousted from its ranks, have announced plans to form their own political organization. The move comes less than a month after their expulsion and amid ongoing tensions within the ruling party.
Hovik Aghazaryan, one of the expelled members, became the focal point of controversy after defying Pashinyan’s November 17 texted “request” to resign from the National Assembly. In contrast, seven other officials, including Armenia’s top judicial officer, complied and stepped down immediately.
Following his refusal, Aghazaryan faced criminal investigations and accusations of leaking sensitive information. On December 3, the Civil Contract party officially expelled him, citing the alleged disclosure of “state and partisan secrets” to the media. Aghazaryan’s personal communications were reportedly accessed by Pashinyan and shared with senior party officials—a move criticized by some as politically motivated.
Hakob Aslanyan, another pro-government parliamentarian and close ally of Aghazaryan, was expelled after publicly condemning the party’s handling of Aghazaryan’s case. Aslanyan accused Civil Contract members of exploiting Aghazaryan’s private data for political purposes. Despite mounting government pressure, both lawmakers have refused to relinquish their parliamentary seats.
On Sunday, Aghazaryan announced the creation of a new political party, tentatively named the United National Socialist Party. Speaking to Azatutyun, he did not specify whether the party would oppose Pashinyan’s administration. Instead, he emphasized its ambition to assume power within the boundaries of the Armenian constitution.
“Our ambitions are as great as what the constitution and laws on political activities allow,” said Aghazaryan. The 64-year-old added that the party would adopt alternative methods to combat corruption, distinguishing itself from Civil Contract, though he provided no specifics.
Aghazaryan is currently implicated in three criminal investigations, including allegations of illegal influence peddling and the potential disclosure of state secrets. Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee is leading the probes. Aghazaryan denies all charges, and his lawyer has suggested that Prosecutor-General Anna Vardapetyan may seek parliamentary approval to indict or arrest him.
A veteran member of the Civil Contract party, Aghazaryan played a significant role in Armenia’s 2018 “Velvet Revolution,” which brought Pashinyan to power. Aslanyan, another early party member, joined shortly before the regime change.
