YEREVAN. – The parliamentary elections held in Georgia have great importance for Armenia, Regional Studies Center Director, political analyst Richard Giragosian noted during a press conference on Thursday, and he pointed to the elections’ five meanings for Armenia.     

First, Georgia’s ruling political party suffered a marked defeat and this, as per Giragosian, shows that the incumbent authorities should not be overconfident and arrogant. 

Second, the civic demands for a change should not be disregarded.

Third, everything that is taking place in Georgia today will be historic. “This is the first time in the region when the authorities have suffered a defeat and the power is being handed over peacefully,” Giragosian said.

Fourth, and in the analyst’s view, Georgia is similar to Armenia, as there is a healthy competition in both countries. “This represents a healthy and a constructive environment, when the opposition challenges the authorities. The political competition in Armenia is within the system itself,” he noted. 

And fifth, the changes in Georgia’s foreign policy will be significant for Armenia. “[These] Changes will be geared towards improving relations with Russia, [and] this is good for Armenia. Armenia needs to pay a greater attention on the changes taking place in the neighboring countries,” Richard Giragosian concluded.          

Photo by Sona Barseghyan