Armenia's Political Landscape Shifts as PM Pashinyan Accuses Church Leader of Misconduct

The political conflict in Armenia escalates as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan publicly accuses Catholicos Karekin II of misconduct, threatening the longstanding coexistence of the government and the Armenian Apostolic Church. This unprecedented row could influence upcoming elections and the broader regional peace process.

Armenia's political tensions reached an unprecedented level when Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan leveled shocking allegations against a senior clergyman of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), breaching the usual divide between state governance and religious affairs. Pashinyan, while addressing an unnamed clergyman, claimed, "Your Grace, go fool around with your uncle's wife. What do you want from me?" This inflammatory statement intensified a growing rift in a country where the church historically plays a pivotal role in society.

In a dramatic escalation, the Prime Minister accused the spiritual leader, Catholicos Karekin II, of breaking his vow of celibacy and fathering a child, calling for his resignation. The Church has yet to respond to these allegations, which, if true, would render Karekin unfit for his position under its by-laws. Despite the absence of evidence for his claims, Pashinyan has threatened to reveal what he purports to have.

Historically, the Armenian government and the Church have managed to coexist despite their differences, yet Pashinyan’s accusations risk further polarizing a society still reeling from its defeat in the 2020 war against Azerbaijan. The Church had previously supported calls for Pashinyan's resignation following the loss, positioning itself as a significant anti-government force.

The political fallout extends beyond internal ramifications, as it could disrupt peace negotiations crucial for regional stability following Armenia’s contentious relationship with Azerbaijan. As Pashinyan pushes for a quick peace treaty, escalating nationalist sentiments fostered by the Church may undermine this effort.

In response to Pashinyan’s allegations, opposition parties and former presidents have rallied around the Church, condemning the Prime Minister's confrontational approach. The situation is further complicated by the Prime Minister's allies expressing discontent with the Church’s interference in matters that contradict the government's narrative in peace talks.

Amidst all this, the Armenians’ relationship with their faith remains complex, with accusations against Karekin’s personal life circulating for some time. Rising discontent within the diaspora over church leadership and alleged mismanagement is complicating the landscape further.

Political analysts suggest that Pashinyan’s bold move against the Church leader could be a strategic maneuver ahead of the upcoming June 2026 elections, aiming to weaken a political foe linked to conservative opposition. This shift marks a departure from his previous stance of non-interference in church matters, raising eyebrows about the motivations behind this unexpected campaign.

As Armenia continues to navigate a fractious socio-political environment, balancing internal dissent with the pressures from external peace agreements remains a daunting task, and it is clear that this latest incident is unlikely to unite a country already marked by division.