Can PM Pashinyan survive the political crisis in Armenia?

Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced months of protests and several attempts in Parliament to dismiss him.

Despite growing discontent over his handling of the war with Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh, Pashinyan has been defiant.

Now the army is demanding he leaves office.

He has fired the army chief and accused the military of an attempted coup.

Pashinyan says the army should not be involved in the political process and has rallied his supporters behind him.

His opponents have held a counter-rally, setting up camp outside Parliament to pressure him to quit.

Armenia’s traditional ally, Russia, says it is alarmed and has been joined by the United States in calling for restraint.

So, what does the challenge by the army mean for Armenia?

Presenter: Sami Zeidan

Guests:

Hamazasp Danielyan – Member of Parliament representing the governing My Step Alliance

Arsen Kharatyan – Independent analyst on conflict resolution and former adviser to PM Pashinyan

Tevan Poghosyan – President of the International Center for Human Development  and ad hoc adviser to Armenia’s president