Pashinyan calls for snap election of Catholicos of All Armenians

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called for snap elections to choose a new Catholicos of All Armenians, according to a statement he posted on social media.

"Snap elections must definitely take place, and they must be for the Catholicos of All Armenians," Pashinyan wrote.

Since late May, Pashinyan has openly criticized Catholicos Karekin II and senior clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, accusing them of breaking religious vows and engaging in political activity. He has demanded that Karekin II step down.

Tensions between the government and the church escalated after large protests led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, head of the “Sacred Struggle” movement. Galstanyan was arrested in late June on charges of plotting a violent power grab. Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, head of the Shirak Diocese, was also detained and accused of inciting the overthrow of the constitutional order. Over 15 people are reportedly facing charges in the case.