Prominent Russian-Armenian billionaire businessman, philanthropist, and Tashir Group President Samvel Karapetyan has announced the creation of a new political force aimed at ousting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, whose policies he describes as “anti-people.” The announcement, published by his nephew Narek Karapetyan, comes while Karapetyan remains in pre-trial detention.
He has been jailed since June 18, after authorities charged him with publicly calling for the violent overthrow of the government — a move they claim threatens the country’s constitutional order. A court approved a two-month detention pending trial.
In his statement, Karapetyan said the process of forming a “fundamentally new political force” has officially begun. He characterized the initiative as a direct response to growing dissatisfaction with the current government and emphasized that it will offer an alternative vision for Armenia’s future.
“Our very first rally confirmed the authorities’ main fear: our people are confident in their strength and will not be broken by repression,” Karapetyan said, referring to the large turnout at a July 4 demonstration. “We will create a fundamentally new political force. That is my message — clear and unambiguous.”
Karapetyan emphasized that while he respects the political forces and figures who have long opposed Pashinyan’s administration and “waged a real struggle” against what he calls anti-national policies, his movement will take its own path. He stressed that his team will follow an independent course but remain open to cooperation with like-minded political forces.
He thanked those who have supported him in recent weeks, stating that his message has been widely interpreted — sometimes inaccurately — but remains rooted in the idea of national unity and justice. “We have our own vision of building a better future for Armenia,” he said. “We will reject the black-and-white narratives and other artificial divisions imposed by this government that have only served to fragment and weaken society.”
Karapetyan has also sharply criticized the Pashinyan government’s approach to the Armenian Apostolic Church. In a recent interview, he denounced politicians — including the Prime Minister — who have called for a new church leader, framing it as part of a broader anti-church campaign.
Karapetyan is an influential figure in Armenia’s business landscape, was arrested on June 18 after a meeting with Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. Authorities allege that his public statements afterward — including his declaration that he and others would take action “in their own way” if political leaders failed — amounted to a threat to seize power. Karapetyan has denied any wrongdoing.
He further noted that even within the current administration, there are professionals who do not align with the ruling party’s narrow values but lack a clear alternative. His movement, he suggested, aims to provide that path forward by uniting people across political and social divides.
