Issue and Opponent: In 2008, Serzh Sargsyan became president of Armenia. This led to a period of slow economic growth, high unemployment rates, and corruption. After Armenia switched to a parliamentary system in 2015, Sargsyan decided to pursue his third term in office as the prime minister, leading to an eruption of protests from those who opposed him. The initial protests began on March 31 under the leadership of Nikol Pashinyan, leader of the Civil Contract Party. Pashinyan called for a general strike after ruling party MPs refused to back him as interim prime minister. As a popular figure, he managed to mobilize many Armenians.
Dilemma Action: Pashinyan called for a general strike in the capital city of Yerevan on May 2. This resulted in nonviolent obstruction of major roadways and access to transportation. An estimated 150,000 people gathered at Republic Square to join the protest. Cars, people, and objects blocked intersections that led into the capital, demonstrators stopped traffic, public transport was forced to shut down, teachers and students didn’t attend school, and people stood and sat in public squares with t-shirts, posters, and flags customized for the cause. One of the members of the protest is quoted as saying that the open support for Pashinyan, including t-shirts with his face on them, means “she was no longer afraid to talk openly about the problems in the country.”
Outcome: Later that evening, Republican MPs assured Pashinyan that they would not block his bid for office. He declared it a victory and called for the protests to end. Nikol Pashinyan was the only nominee, thus securing his position as prime minister. The Republic Party did not even put up their candidate in a bid to ease tensions, categorizing the DA efforts as a success.