The Information Environment of the Republic of Armenia and the Dynamics of Narratives May 4 – May 10

Analytical Monitoring Report

1. Context

During the week under review, the information landscape could conditionally be divided into two main phases. In the first half of the week, primary attention was focused on the European Political Community Summit held in Yerevan, Armenia’s European prospects, the Pashinyan-Macron relationship, and the intensifying competition between Russian and Western influence surrounding these developments. However, beginning on May 8, when the parliamentary election campaign officially commenced, narratives related to the electoral process, domestic ideological confrontations, and political actors became increasingly prominent in the information space. At the same time, mutual statements exchanged between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Samvel Karapetyan regarding “hallucinogenic mushrooms” gained wide circulation and became one of the most discussed examples of political discrediting during the week. Another issue that generated significant public reaction was the case of violence against minors in Vedi, which a number of media actors transformed into a topic of criticism not only of the law enforcement system, but also of the authorities’ value-based policies.

2. Summary Statistics

Narratives and Volume of Content (in Descending Order)	Actor Group	Facebook	Telegram	YouTube	TikTok	Total
1. Discrediting of Opponents	RA media platforms	153	114	98	73	438
2. External Influence	RA media platforms	110	92	103	26	331
3. Borders and Trade	RA media platforms	82	137	49	14	282
4. Europe and Armenia	RA media platforms	78	92	79	11	260
5. Armed Forces	RA media platforms	69	119	36	36	260
6. Energy and Infrastructure	RA media platforms	55	108	43	40	246
7. Peace and TRIPP	RA media platforms	68	91	69	18	246
8. Existential Threat	RA media platforms	37	33	111	36	217
9. Elections and the CEC	RA media platforms	120	72	20	3	215
10. Church and State	RA media platforms	41	57	72	28	198
TOTAL		813	915	680	285	2693

2.1. Analysis of Narratives and Their Frequency

Key trends and narratives of the week:

1. Discrediting of Opponents (438 publications) – This was the most active narrative of the week. A significant portion of the discussions centered on undermining the reputation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and state institutions. One of the main strands of the narrative was linked to a statement by Samvel Karapetyan, in which he accused the Prime Minister of “using and importing hallucinogenic mushrooms into Armenia.” The topic spread widely across social media platforms and was used to portray the Prime Minister as an irrational leader detached from reality. In response, Pashinyan stated that he would “file a lawsuit over the absurd remarks of the Kaluga oligarch.” Another major topic concerned Pashinyan’s statement in Kornidzor that “the Karabakh movement was a fatal mistake.” Opposition actors framed these remarks as reinforcing the discourse of “Western Azerbaijan.” At the same time, the narrative was further fueled by developments related to domestic security and the law enforcement system. Following the case of sexual violence against minors in Vedi and the dismissals that followed, criticism spread claiming that the police and authorities were incapable of preventing or effectively responding to such crimes. Some publications stated that “people say even scenes from Nikol’s book promote pedophilia,” while the behavior of officials was portrayed as a consequence of this, attempting to construct the perception that the authorities are pursuing policies that “erode moral boundaries.”

2. External Influence (331 publications) – During the week, the external influence narrative was primarily shaped by the competition between Western and Russian influence surrounding Armenia. A substantial portion of the discussions focused on French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Armenia and its political implications. Macron stated that his visit should not be viewed as interference, contrasting it with influence operations carried out through “foreign agents acting on Moscow’s orders.” This statement was used as an example suggesting that Western actors openly support Armenia’s current authorities on the eve of the electoral process. At the same time, Russian officials and media circles promoted a counter-narrative, claiming that Brussels is attempting to influence Armenia’s domestic political processes. Yuri Ushakov stated that Yerevan continues to pursue a policy of “sitting on two chairs.” The Russian side portrayed EU actions as an “attempt to interfere in Armenia’s internal affairs,” drawing parallels with political technologies allegedly used in Moldova. In this context, Vladimir Putin noted that Armenia must clarify whether it seeks integration with the EU or intends to continue its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), even mentioning the possibility of holding a “referendum.” Thus, throughout the week, the external influence narrative revolved around competition among foreign powers over Armenia, possible influence on electoral processes, and the country’s geopolitical orientation. The external influence narrative intensified further after Armenia’s ambassador was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry over what Moscow described as providing a “platform” for Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statements during EU-sponsored events held in Yerevan. In particular, Zelenskyy had stated that Russia was holding this year’s Victory Day parade without military equipment because “they are afraid drones might buzz over Red Square.” The Russian Foreign Ministry described the remarks as “categorically unacceptable” and stated that the absence of a “proper negative assessment” by official Yerevan was inconsistent with the “partnership nature” of Russian-Armenian relations.

One of the central themes was also hybrid threats and false narratives, which were actively discussed by the Media Center and other platforms in the context of external influence and information interference.

3. Borders and Trade (282 publications) – During the week, the narrative was mainly shaped around regional communications, border cooperation, and economic interconnectivity. A significant portion of the discussions concerned shipments sent to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory, which were presented as practical activation of regional logistical links. Another notable development was the signing of a protocol on the restoration of the historic Ani Bridge located on the Armenian-Turkish border, which was presented as a signal of dialogue and border cooperation between the two countries. Trade-related discussions also intensified amid developments surrounding Wildberries and Ozon. Restrictions on the accessibility of Armenian sellers’ products were portrayed across several sales and Telegram platforms not merely as technical or customs-related issues, but also as possible consequences of Armenia’s foreign policy orientation. In particular, claims circulated suggesting that the restrictions could be linked to events held in Yerevan involving Zelenskyy’s participation and the resulting Russian dissatisfaction. Some users framed this as a “consequence of the authorities’ failed diplomacy,” linking economic difficulties to tensions in Armenian-Russian relations and broader geopolitical choices. Another focal point of discussion was the border delimitation process. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated that work on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border is continuing.

Analysis of the other seven narratives:

4. Europe and Armenia (260 publications) – The central focus of the narrative was the 8th Summit of the European Political Community, held in Yerevan and widely presented as an important political signal of Armenia’s European trajectory. A substantial part of the discussions emphasized the fact that the summit was being held in the South Caucasus for the first time. President of the European Council António Costa stated that the meeting “places Armenia at the heart of Europe” and described the agreement reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan as “a peace story for Europe.” The topic of European integration was further amplified following remarks by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, who stressed that “the European perspective is on the table,” while emphasizing that the final decision must be made by Armenia itself.

5. Armed Forces (260 publications) – The topic of defense and military-industrial cooperation was discussed this week in the context of Armenian-French relations. The Armenia-France Strategic Partnership Declaration stated that the sides intend to deepen cooperation in the defense industry sector, including in the fields of research, development, and innovation. The authorities presented this as a continuation of the diversification of Armenia’s defense system and the strengthening of strategic ties with Western partners.

6. Energy and Infrastructure (246 publications) – The narrative mainly focused on Armenia’s external cooperation in the energy sector and developments surrounding the Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA). The Armenia-France Strategic Partnership Declaration noted that the parties would continue cooperation in the fields of renewable energy and civilian nuclear energy. At the same time, reports regarding the possible sale of ENA became a topic of discussion. Davit Ghazinyan, Acting Former Director General of the company, stated that the Armenian government had offered shareholders USD 380,000 to acquire ENA, but that they did not intend to accept the proposal. Ghazinyan described this as “yet another example of the state’s attitude toward private business.”

7. Peace and TRIPP (246 publications) – The narrative was primarily shaped around Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, the peace process, and border delimitation. At the European Political Community Summit, Ilham Aliyev stated that Armenia and Azerbaijan have “already been living in peace for more than nine months” and are “learning to live in peace,” describing peace as “already a reality.” At the same time, Aliyev once again addressed the issue of Karabakh, claiming that Azerbaijan had “put an end to separatism” and criticizing the European Parliament for spreading “slander and lies” against Azerbaijan. In the same speech, he also criticized the European observers stationed at the border, stating that “Armenia does not need protection from Azerbaijan,” because “Azerbaijan has achieved everything it wanted.”

8. Existential Threat (217 publications) – Discussions continued regarding Armenia’s security and the possibility of a new war. Levon Zurabyan, Vice Chairman of the opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC), stated that the threat of a new war hangs over Armenia. According to him, the current authorities are turning Armenia into a “stage for East-West confrontation” and “hybrid warfare.” At the same time, Robert Kocharyan emphasized that the authorities themselves had introduced the “war or peace” discourse ahead of the elections.

9. Elections and the CEC (215 publications) – On May 8 alone, activity reached 66 publications, while the CEC and electoral processes continued to be among the main topics on Facebook. It was on this day that the official campaign period for the June 7 parliamentary elections formally began. The information space also reacted to an incident in Shengavit involving the removal of a campaign poster belonging to the “Prosperous Armenia” party. Attention was also focused on searches conducted at the offices of the “Strong Armenia” party, as well as the visit of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II to Samvel Karapetyan, who was under house arrest. A number of actors portrayed this as yet another manifestation of the relationship between the Church and the political sphere.

10. Church and State (198 publications) – Within this narrative, discussions continued around representatives of the Church and the law enforcement system. Public attention was drawn to reports that Gevorg Nersisyan, the brother of the Catholicos, and Hambardzum Nersisyan, his nephew, had been released from house arrest, with the court imposing administrative supervision measures on them. 

2.2 Analysis of Narrative Intersections

Against the backdrop of the week’s information environment, two major narrative intersections can be identified. The first was the intersection of the “Europe and Armenia,” “External Influence,” and “Elections and the CEC” narratives, in which the European Political Community Summit and statements made by EU officials were portrayed as attempts by the West to influence Armenia’s domestic political processes ahead of the elections. 

The second intersection emerged between the “Discrediting of Opponents,” “Church and State,” and “Elections and the CEC” narratives, where developments surrounding Samvel Karapetyan were simultaneously framed as manifestations of political persecution, pre-election struggle, and tensions between the Church and the authorities. In this context, the visit of Garegin II and statements issued by the Mother See were interpreted by a number of actors as indications of the Church’s indirect political positioning.

2.3. Platform Analysis

• Facebook (813 publications) – During the monitoring period, Facebook served as the primary platform for the dissemination of the “Discrediting of Opponents” and “Elections and the CEC” narratives.
• Telegram (915 publications) – The platform was predominantly used to circulate the “Borders and Trade” and “Armed Forces” narratives.
• YouTube (680 publications) – YouTube was the main platform for analytical videos related to the “Existential Threat” and “External Influence” narratives.
• TikTok (285 publications) – The platform was actively used for the dissemination of short-form videos focused on the “Discrediting of Opponents” and “Existential Threat” narratives.

It is noteworthy that, unlike the other topics, the “Europe and Armenia” narrative was actively disseminated across nearly all platforms.

2.4. Actor Analysis

• RA media platforms and news outlets – This group remains the primary source of information production, extensively covering EU-Armenia relations as well as official communications from the Investigative Committee.
• Anonymous and/or unidentified information websites – These actors are particularly active on Telegram, disseminating sharp and often one-sided interpretations of events.
• Political figures and actors – Political actors actively use social networks (notably TikTok and Facebook) to deliver emotionally charged messages and to frame the elections as a decisive and consequential moment.

3. Chronological Dynamics

Narrative	04.05	05.05	06.05	07.05	08.05	09.05	10.05	Total
1. Discrediting of Opponents	36	52	61	113	104	43	29	438
2. External Influence	27	54	66	65	79	21	19	331
3. Borders and Trade	32	79	45	51	44	12	19	282
4. Europe and Armenia	76	133	26	7	7	5	6	260
5. Armed Forces	27	36	68	47	32	32	18	260
6. Energy	33	50	46	28	32	30	27	246
7. Peace and TRIPP	47	32	59	38	22	37	11	246
8. Existential Threat	23	27	19	34	77	21	16	217
9. Elections and the CEC	26	23	34	56	66	9	1	215
10. Church and State	26	15	29	45	36	25	22	198
TOTAL	353	501	453	484	499	235	168	2693

4. Conclusions and Key Findings

1. The European Political Community Summit significantly reshaped the week’s information agenda, placing foreign policy and geopolitical topics at the core of public discussions. Against this backdrop, the “Europe and Armenia” and “External Influence” narratives increasingly intersected with debates on electoral processes and Armenia’s strategic orientation.

2. Following May 8, when the official pre-election campaign began, there was a noticeable increase in the volume of electoral content in the information space. Discussions centered on the campaigning activity of political forces, pre-election incidents, and political interpretations of actions by law enforcement bodies. This gradually contributed to a more competitive and polarized information environment.

3. The most engaging topics of the week were largely associated with emotional and value-based polarization. The Vedi incident, as well as the scandal surrounding “hallucinogenic mushrooms,” demonstrated that narratives containing personal, moral, and sensational elements tend to spread more rapidly within the information space.

The monitoring was conducted by the “Media Diversity Institute” (MDI) informational NGO.

The report was developed in accordance with the methodology for monitoring the 2026 parliamentary elections in the Republic of Armenia. Data collection and report generation were carried out using AI-powered tools:

•  the Letsdata digital monitoring tool was used for collecting primary source data,
• while Claude, NotebookLM, and Gemini were used for report generation.

The analysis is based on a pre-selected list of 250 sources (i.e., actors). The process was accompanied by professional oversight, involving a monitoring specialist and a data collection specialist, to ensure reliability.