On February 12, during a government session, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made several statements regarding the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh, US-Armenia relations, and Armenia’s ideological transformation, sparking strong reactions from opposition MPs.

Pashinyan accused former Armenian leaders, particularly Robert Kocharyan, of responsibility for the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh. In response to a question from Levon Kocharyan, an MP and son of the former president, Pashinyan challenged claims of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, questioning why the Kocharyans remained in Armenia in 1998 if such conditions existed. He emphasized that it was the previous government that had, out of necessity, recognized Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. This exchange led to a heated confrontation with opposition MPs.

Discussing his recent trip to the United States, Pashinyan highlighted an unplanned but extended meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris, which he described as significant for both sides. He stressed that both previous and current administrations had been involved in signing agreements on Armenian-US strategic cooperation, framing it as part of a broader and evolving diplomatic relationship.

Outlining his vision for Armenia’s future, Pashinyan reaffirmed his commitment to aligning the country with European Union standards, particularly in governance, anti-corruption measures, and civil society reforms. On February 12, the Armenian Parliament adopted a draft law marking the beginning of Armenia’s EU membership process. However, Pashinyan clarified that this did not signify immediate accession but rather an important step toward closer integration. Acknowledging the risks, he assured that they were manageable and being transparently communicated to the public.

Regarding Armenia’s ideological transformation, Pashinyan revealed that the development of a new "Real Armenia" ideology was nearing completion and would be put to the test in the 2026 elections. He described this process as a shift toward a new political consensus that would require broad public support.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of universal income declarations, calling them a key element of Armenia's economic and social transformation. He announced additional funding for the health and education sectors, with major developments expected between November 2025 and mid-2026. Furthermore, he underscored the need to extend the conversation about the "Real Armenia" ideology to the Armenian diaspora, noting that initial groups had already expressed interest in participating.

In a tense exchange with opposition MPs, Pashinyan accused them of deliberately attempting to create friction between Armenia and Iran. He claimed that these efforts were part of a broader hybrid war aimed at portraying Armenia as a center of revanchism. When questioned about Azerbaijan’s influence on Armenia’s internal affairs, Pashinyan responded angrily, reaffirming that his sole obligations were to the citizens of Armenia. The session concluded with heightened tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.