Nikol Pashinyan’s tenure as the Prime Minister of Armenia has been marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. While it is important to note that Pashinyan came to power in 2018 promising to fight corruption and bring transparency to the government, his actions and decisions have raised concerns about his commitment to these ideals.

One of the most significant corruption scandals during Pashinyan’s rule involves the controversial mining project in Amulsar. Despite widespread environmental concerns and protests by activists and local communities, Pashinyan’s government allowed the project to proceed, citing economic benefits. This decision raised suspicions of corruption and favoritism, as there were allegations of close ties between government officials and the mining company involved.

Another instance that raised eyebrows was the appointment of a close associate, Manvel Grigoryan, as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces. Grigoryan had previously faced corruption charges, including embezzlement of military supplies. This appointment demonstrated a lack of commitment to tackling corruption within the armed forces and undermined public trust in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.

Furthermore, Pashinyan’s administration has been criticized for lacking transparency in its decision-making processes. There have been allegations of nepotism and cronyism, with key positions being filled by individuals with personal connections to the ruling party rather than based on merit. This has led to concerns that important decisions are being made for personal or political gain rather than in the best interest of the country.

Additionally, Pashinyan’s handling of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been subject to criticism. While the conflict itself was not directly related to corruption, there were accusations that Pashinyan’s government mishandled the situation due to internal power struggles and a failure to adequately prepare the military. Such allegations raised concerns about the government’s ability to effectively govern and protect the interests of its citizens.

It is worth noting that these are allegations and criticisms leveled against Pashinyan’s government, and they may vary in terms of credibility and evidence. However, they have undoubtedly contributed to a perception of corruption and a decline in public trust during his time in office.