The people of Armenia have voted for change. In a landslide election, the pro-Western Civil Contract party, led by Nikol Pashinyan, has secured a decisive majority, raising hopes for a new chapter in the region’s volatile politics. The result, confirmed by the Central Electoral Commission on Monday, comes amid rising tensions with neighbouring Azerbaijan and a fragile peace process over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
For ordinary Armenians, this election was about more than geopolitics. It was about the cost of living. Rising bread prices, stagnant wages, and a struggling economy have dominated kitchen-table conversations in Yerevan and beyond. Many voters expressed frustration with the old guard, seen as corrupt and out of touch. “We need jobs, not just flags,” said Mariam Khachatryan, a 32-year-old teacher, outside a polling station in the capital. “Our children are leaving. We need a government that puts food on the table first.”
The election result is a clear signal that Armenia wants closer ties with the West, including stronger trade links and security guarantees. The UK, which has maintained a careful diplomatic balance in the South Caucasus, was quick to respond. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “The United Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to the stability and prosperity of the Caucasus region. We look forward to working with the new Armenian government on shared priorities, including economic development, human rights, and regional security.”
But the path ahead is fraught with challenges. Armenia’s economy relies heavily on remittances from Russia and trade with Iran, two countries now under Western sanctions. The new government will need to navigate these ties while deepening integration with Europe. The war in Ukraine has already disrupted supply chains, pushing up fuel and grain costs. For farmers in the northern regions, the price of fertiliser has doubled in a year.
Union leaders in Armenia see the election as a chance to push for labour rights. “Workers have been left behind for too long,” said Armen Gevorgyan, head of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia. “We need minimum wage increases, better safety standards, and an end to casual exploitation. The new government has promised reform. We will hold them to it.”
Regional inequality remains stark. While the capital benefits from foreign investment and tech startups, rural areas suffer from crumbling infrastructure and high unemployment. The new government’s first test will be its budget due in July. Will it prioritise bread and butter issues or military spending? The peace process with Azerbaijan hangs in the balance. Any misstep could reignite conflict.
The UK’s reaffirmed commitment is welcome but vague. Critics argue that London has historically prioritised energy deals and security over genuine economic partnership. “Fine words won’t lower our gas bills,” said a factory worker in Gyumri, who asked not to be named. “We need real investment, not just statements.”
For now, Armenians are cautiously optimistic. The election result is a democratic triumph in a region often defined by autocracy. But the real victory will be measured in the months ahead: in the price of bread, the availability of jobs, and the easing of tensions with neighbours. The West has promised support. The people of Armenia will be watching closely.
