On November 14, during the Armenian National Assembly’s discussion of the draft state budget for 2025, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan delivered a comprehensive speech addressing Armenia’s national identity, military strategy, and economic challenges.

Pashinyan began by reflecting on the nation’s collective mindset, which he described as predominantly “anti-state.” He emphasized that the state is the only guarantee for preserving and developing Armenian identity. "If there is a state, we will continue to exist as an Armenian nation; without it, we will not," he asserted. He noted that Armenia’s endurance today is due to historical state traditions that, while weakened, have not been completely lost. However, he acknowledged that cultivating a strong national identity is a slow process that takes centuries. Highlighting the historical context, Pashinyan pointed out that Armenia has only enjoyed 35 years of independent statehood in the past 600 years.

Addressing the state of the military, Pashinyan admitted that he had once championed the army with unwavering reverence but has since realized the flaws in that approach. "The greatest mistake in Armenia’s modern history is treating the army as an object of exaltation," he remarked. While he lauded the heroism of military service, he stressed that the army must be adequately equipped and supported. “If soldiers lack food, weapons, uniforms, vehicles, and competent officers, how can they defend the country?” he questioned. He argued that while the army deserves respect, its value should not be idealized without addressing its material and logistical needs.

Pashinyan emphasized the importance of fair salaries and social guarantees for contract servicemen, underscoring that these are vital to maintaining a capable military. “No one will serve as a contract soldier without sufficient pay and benefits,” he noted, adding that state funds—sourced from law-abiding taxpayers—are essential to sustaining both the military and the nation. “The true hero of the state is the citizen who works, produces results, and pays taxes,” he declared, highlighting that the Ministry of Defense is among the top ten taxpayers in Armenia.

Reflecting on the decision to sign the November 9, 2020, agreement, Pashinyan acknowledged that while it faced criticism, he believed it was necessary. “I am not interested in anyone's opinion right now; I took responsibility and signed this document,” he said, emphasizing that leadership sometimes requires making difficult choices.

Regarding pensions, Pashinyan addressed the challenge of raising them while maintaining fiscal balance. He explained that while cutting salaries and bonuses could theoretically boost pensions, it would not result in substantial gains due to the resources required for tax collection. Instead, he highlighted the introduction of a post-payment system, which has allowed pensioners to receive higher benefits than they would through simple cuts.

In a poignant conclusion, Pashinyan reflected on Armenia’s Declaration of Independence. After reading it numerous times, he came to the unsettling realization that the declaration’s content suggests the Republic of Armenia’s existence is fundamentally precarious. “This is our greatest problem and tragedy,” he lamented. He ended his speech by defining a true Armenian citizen as one who does not seek a homeland elsewhere because they have already found it in the Republic of Armenia.