Former and current leaders of Armenia issue messages on Army Day
On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Army, the second and third presidents of the Republic of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan, as well as the incumbent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, have issued messages. All three messages address the role of the army, the past years, and current processes; however, the emphases are significantly different.
In his message, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented the reforms implemented in the army in recent years. He noted the increase in servicemen’s remuneration through the voluntary certification program, the acquisition of modern weaponry and military equipment, changes in service conditions, and the implementation of fortification works. Pashinyan also emphasized that a state without a strong army is vulnerable to foreign aggression, while simultaneously stating that the mission of the Republic of Armenia’s army is limited to the protection of the country’s internationally recognized territory.
The emphases published by Serzh Sargsyan’s office refer to messages he delivered in previous years. In these, the army is presented as a fundamental condition for the existence of statehood. Sargsyan addressed the process of the army’s “transformation” with critical language, describing it as questionable. He also noted that this process is a phenomenon leading to the weakening of the army. At the core of his emphases are the army’s victorious past, the role of worthy leadership, and the appreciation of the soldier’s national image.
In his message, Robert Kocharyan referred to the state of the army over the last eight years, noting that during this period, in his assessment, consistent steps have been taken to weaken and disintegrate the most combat-ready army in the region. He linked the army’s problems to the mistakes of the political leadership, emphasizing that a strong and combat-ready army is the primary guarantor of long-term and dignified peace. Kocharyan stressed the necessity of restoring the army’s strength and combat spirit.
Thus, the messages issued on Army Day demonstrate three different political approaches toward the same institution. The former presidents’ messages are dominated by emphases on the weakening of the army, loss of values, and past experience, while the incumbent Prime Minister’s speech prioritizes structural reforms, increased social security, and the development of defense capabilities. Although the elections are still six months away, ferment among various political forces is already visible. Any event taking place within the state is gradually becoming a subject of ideological opposition between different political groups.