Armenia’s democratic standing faced scrutiny in the latest report from Freedom House, which noted a decline in the country’s Democracy Score. The report, highlighting concerns over Prime Minister Pashinyan’s government, emphasized a notable consolidation of power and criticized the lack of transparency surrounding ruling party finances.
The report also pointed to the resurgence of political influence from large businesses, casting doubt on the gains made since the 2018 Velvet Revolution. Judicial independence and media freedom were flagged as areas of particular concern, with legislative initiatives potentially restricting access to official information.
Against the backdrop of external challenges such as Azerbaijan’s blockade and ethnic-cleansing of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and Armenia’s shifting relations with Russia and the West, the report painted a nuanced picture of Armenia’s domestic political landscape. Despite pockets of progress, significant obstacles remain in safeguarding democratic principles and fostering transparency within Armenia’s institutions, particularly under Pashinyan’s leadership.
