Tag: Civil Contract
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Civil Contract is the ruling political party of Armenia, founded and led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. It rose to power following the 2018 so-called “Velvet Revolution” (which critics term a “regime change”) and obtained parliamentary majority in the 2021 snap elections, giving it the supermajority that has defined Armenia’s legislative landscape for the past several years. The opposition challenged the results of the election as unfair.
With more than 80 episodes referencing the party, Groong’s coverage of Civil Contract is extensive. Topics include the government’s handling of the 2020 Nagorno Karabakh war and its aftermath, the peace negotiation process with Azerbaijan, Armenia’s pivot away from Russia and toward the European Union and the United States, the crackdown on opposition and civic institutions, the 2025 confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the party’s campaign positioning ahead of the June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections.
Critics of Civil Contract covered in Groong episodes argue that the party has used its supermajority to consolidate power, weaken state institutions, suppress political opposition, and pursue a foreign policy that has left Armenia isolated and vulnerable. Supporters counter that it represents a genuine break from the corruption and military adventurism of previous governments.
Anna Kostanyan - New HR Ombudswoman Anahit Manasyan | Azeri Attacks and Infiltrations into Armenia | Yerevan Mayor-less Until End of 2023 Elections [EP248]
Posted on Sunday, Apr 16, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Human Rights, Azerbaijan
Guest:
Topics:
- Intro to Anna Kostanyan and Hamakhmbum (Consolidation) Movement
- New HR Ombudswoman Anahit Manasyan
- Azeri Attacks and Infiltrations into Armenia
- Yerevan Mayor-less Until End of 2023 Elections
Episode 248 | Recorded: April 16, 2023
Raising Flags: Alison on Recent Events in Tegh and Across Armenia | Ep 247 - Apr 14, 2023 [EP247]
Posted on Friday, Apr 14, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, Georgia, Human Rights, Middle East, Turkey | Series: cog
Guest:
Topics:
- Aghavno / Berdzor
- April 11 Azeri Aggression Near Tegh
- Raising Flags
- Azeri Infiltrations into Armenia
Episode 247 | Recorded: April 14, 2023
Raising Flags: Alison on Recent Events in Tegh and Across Armenia | Ep 247 - Apr 14, 2023 [EP247]
Posted on Friday, Apr 14, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, Georgia, Human Rights, Middle East, TurkeyGuest:
Topics:
- Aghavno / Berdzor
- April 11 Azeri Aggression Near Tegh
- Raising Flags
- Azeri Infiltrations into Armenia
Episode 247 | Recorded: April 14, 2023
Naira Melikyan: Turned Away at Kornidzor Post | Ep 245 - Apr 7, 2023 [EP245]
Posted on Friday, Apr 7, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh | Series: cog, video
Guest:
In this Conversations on Groong episode, weâll be talking Naira Melikyan who shares troubling information from her attempt to travel to Artsakh via the newly built road passing by the village of Kornidzor. Armenian border guards turned away the Miasin group citing security concerns.
Episode 245 | Recorded: April 7, 2023
Naira Melikyan: Turned Away at Kornidzor Post | Ep 245 - Apr 7, 2023 [EP245]
Posted on Friday, Apr 7, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno KarabakhGuest:
In this Conversations on Groong episode, weâll be talking Naira Melikyan who shares troubling information from her attempt to travel to Artsakh via the newly built road passing by the village of Kornidzor. Armenian border guards turned away the Miasin group citing security concerns.
Episode 245 | Recorded: April 7, 2023
Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh | East West Negotiation Platforms | Armenia and the Rome Statute | Ep 241 - Mar 26, 2023 [EP241]
Posted on Sunday, Mar 26, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Azerbaijan, Russia | Series: wir
Guest:
Topic:
- Azerbaijani Attacks over the Weekend
- East and West
- Armenia and the Rome Statute
Episode 241 | Recorded: March 26, 2023
Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh | East West Negotiation Platforms | Armenia and the Rome Statute | Ep 241 - Mar 26, 2023 [EP241]
Posted on Sunday, Mar 26, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Azerbaijan, RussiaGuest:
Topic:
- Azerbaijani Attacks over the Weekend
- East and West
- Armenia and the Rome Statute
Episode 241 | Recorded: March 26, 2023
Pashinyan Press Conference | Belligerent Azerbaijan | Mirzoyan in Moscow | Yerevan Mayor | Ep 240 - Mar 19, 2023 [EP240]
Posted on Sunday, Mar 19, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran | Series: wir
Guest:
Topics:
- Pashinyanâs Press Conference
- Negotiating with Belligerent Azerbaijan
- Mirzoyan in Moscow
- Mayoral Politics in Yerevan
Episode 240 | Recorded: March 20, 2023
Pashinyan Press Conference | Belligerent Azerbaijan | Mirzoyan in Moscow | Yerevan Mayor | Ep 240 - Mar 19, 2023 [EP240]
Posted on Sunday, Mar 19, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Politics, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Russia, IranGuest:
Topics:
- Pashinyanâs Press Conference
- Negotiating with Belligerent Azerbaijan
- Mirzoyan in Moscow
- Mayoral Politics in Yerevan
Episode 240 | Recorded: March 20, 2023