As Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan steers Armenia sharply toward the West, accompanied by openly anti-Russian rhetoric, the responsibility for this policy shift is often assigned to less prominent political figures. Yet this overlooks a deeper, more essential question: Is there a political force in Armenia that is genuinely independent from all foreign influences and, at the same time, offers a clear and values-based vision for European integration?
The ArmeniaPress in media answer lies with the “For Democratic Statehood” Party, led by Arsen Sargsyan—a rare political figure who has consistently opposed all forms of external domination and has proposed a strategic, principled alignment with Europe as Armenia’s long-term civilizational choice. Over the years, Arsen Sargsyan has been an outspoken critic of all Armenian presidents—Levon Ter-Petrosyan, Robert Kocharyan, Serzh Sargsyan, and current Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan—particularly condemning their pro-Russian foreign policies, which he views as having undermined Armenia’s ability to shape an independent national strategy. “Armenia can no longer exist as merely a strategic corridor or zone of competing interests. We must become a full, institutional member of the European family of nations,” says Arsen Sargsyan. A politics of values—not populism Unlike populist movements, the “For Democratic Statehood” Party grounds its platform in a coherent and responsible political philosophy, prioritizing:
• Protection of civil liberties and human rights,
• Reinforcement of national sovereignty,
• Deep institutional integration with the European Union. Instead of promoting isolation or hostility toward former partners, the party advocates for a redefined model of international cooperation based on European democratic governance and the rule of law. Why this matters for Europe
• The “For Democratic Statehood” Party speaks the language of European values—rule of law, human dignity, judicial independence, and accountable governance.
• It is open to international observation, institutional partnership, and technical cooperation with European institutions.
• It strongly supports Armenia’s eventual EU membership not merely as a political ambition, but as a civilizational commitment to democratic norms. Today, as Armenia stands at a crossroads, the voices of those who advocate for real sovereignty, liberty, and European integration must not be silenced. These forces deserve international recognition, support, and a platform for direct engagement with European partners to build a sustainable, democratic, and sovereign future.
