European Union & Samvel Karapetyan

European Union: The European Union is a key partner for Armenia in democratic reforms and has openly supported Nikol Pashinyan's government. The EU condemned Russia's economic coercion and offered financial support to Armenia, welcoming its move towards closer ties with Europe.

Samvel Karapetyan: Samvel Karapetyan, a Russian-Armenian billionaire and leader of the Armenia — Strong Armenia party, was the main opposition candidate. He is under house arrest for allegedly advocating for the government's overthrow and his party, which advocates for closer ties with Russia, came in second.

European Union: Armenia>>>'s warming relationship with the European Union>>> is a point of contention with Russia>>>, which has warned of economic consequences for Armenia>>> if it pursues closer integration.

Samvel Karapetyan: Samvel Karapetyan>>>, a Russian-Armenian businessman and leader of the Armenia — Strong Armenia>>> bloc, is under house arrest on charges of calling for the overthrow of the government, which he rejects as politically motivated. His detention, along with the arrests of his party's candidates, significantly impacts the opposition's ability to contest the elections effectively.