A nationwide rally of the “Tavush for the Motherland” movement, led by Bagrat Archbishop Galstanyan, leader of the Diocese of Armenia’s Tavush, began on Yerevan’s Republic Square on May 26. Before the rally, a group of young people conducted an awareness march through the streets of Yerevan, culminating at Republic Square.

The “Tavush for the Motherland” movement, articulated by Bagrat Archbishop Galstanyan, is centered on the aspiration for a resilient, safe, secure, and stable state that enjoys lasting peace. The movement emphasizes the importance of fostering friendships and establishing genuine allied relations, partnerships, and support from the international community. During a rally held at Republic Square in Yerevan, Archbishop Galstanyan conveyed these words, adding: “This movement is about having an education system that prepares morally impeccable individuals, having a generation that respects its own identity and values, has competitive knowledge, can transform its own country and takes responsibility.”

Bagrat Archbishop Galstanyan further elaborated that the "Tavush for the Motherland" movement embodies a deep appreciation for the true essence of agriculture and the peasantry, recognizing them as fundamental pillars of the state. It aims to make healthcare affordable and accessible, achieve innovative advancements, strengthen the Armenian army, and restore the law enforcement system to its intended role. The movement also advocates for the elimination of political prisoners, the return of prisoners of war from Baku prisons, and the provision of amnesty for those unjustly accused and imprisoned in Armenia. It envisions transforming prisons into environments that rehabilitate rather than merely punish.

At the rally, Orientalist Gurgen Melikyan addressed the concerns of many hesitant to join the movement due to doubts about its clear action plan or the lack of a potential prime ministerial candidate. He announced that Bagrat Archbishop Galstanyan is the movement’s candidate for Prime Minister. Melikyan noted that over the past month, there had been numerous meetings and consultations with representatives from various fields, including political parties, public organizations, and universities. He stated that most participants in these discussions agreed that Bagrat Archbishop Galstanyan was the most suitable person for the role. 

Further, Bagrat Galstanyan addressed the rally, explaining that he cannot simultaneously fulfill the responsibilities of a prime minister candidate and his spiritual duties. He stated, “That’s why, presenting the situation to His Holiness, I asked to freeze my 30-year spiritual service.” Despite this significant personal decision, Archbishop Galstanyan reiterated his call for the current prime minister to resign, emphasizing the movement’s demand for political change.

Protesters then proceeded to the entrance of the government mansion, where they anticipated meeting with Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan. 

The authorities later responded to the announcement that the Archbishop would become the prime minister by deeming it illegal.

Read also: Archbishop Galstanyan Outlines Phases of Tavush for the Homeland Movement