Protest rallies have been underway in all large cities of Armenia against former President Serzh Sargsyan’s election as Prime Minister on April 17.

A 100-meter long Armenian tricolor was waved during the large-scale rally which kicked off at the Republic Square on April 18. The rally began with the singing of the national anthem. 

The demonstrators, led by “My Step” initiative leader MP Nikol Pashinyan, have blocked streets and squares in Yerevan. Over 40 people have been injured in clashes with police. Several dozens have been apprehended.

However, Serzh Sargsyan says that people’s rights and freedoms are a priority for the government.

In his interview with “Shant” TV on Wednesday, he noted that “the goal is to reach the minimal level where people will be able to implement at least half of their wishes.”

Sargsyan was the third President of Armenia. He won the February 2008 presidential election with the backing of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia, a party in which he served as chairman, and took office in April 2008. 

On 18 February 2013, he was re-elected as President and served the entire term. Sargsyan was appointed Prime Minister of Armenia on April 17, 2018. Opposition figures described the move as a "power grab" and launched large-scale protests across the country.

By Thea Morrison