Political Turmoil in Armenia: PM Lashes Out at Church Leader Amid Allegations of Scandal**

The escalating political conflict in Armenia sees Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accuse Catholicos Karekin II of violating sacred vows, plunging the nation into deeper divisions ahead of a crucial election.**

 

Armenia is currently experiencing a surge of political tension as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan unleashes remarkable allegations against the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), Catholicos Karekin II. In a striking statement, Pashinyan has insinuated that Karekin has fathered a child, thereby violating his clerical vow of celibacy largely upheld by the Church. Pashinyan's fiery rhetoric includes the blunt rebuke, "Your Grace, go fool around with your uncle's wife. What do you want from me?" such unprecedented outbursts from a sitting prime minister highlight the deteriorating relationship between the government and the deeply engrained Church.

This clash comes at a time when Armenia's liberal government, typically at odds with the conservative AAC, faces mounting challenges following a disheartening defeat to Azerbaijan in a recent military conflict. While the Church has largely respected its boundaries from state affairs, Pashinyan's accusations may incite further polarization within Armenia's already fragmented society and could potentially influence the critical elections set for next year.

This fractious exchange raises substantial implications for ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as the Church's involvement in political matters has historically complicated government efforts to restore stability. The Prime Minister's assertions about Karekin have not only prompted backlash from the Church but also spurred unity among opposition factions that perceive Pashinyan's critiques as an assault on their spiritual and political foundations.

As resignation calls grow louder, the fallout from this conflict remains uncertain, prompting speculation that it may serve as a pre-emptive tactic by Pashinyan against an emerging conservative resistance. Moreover, with the increasing vocal support for the Church from prominent figures, the complications surrounding governance and the Church's authority further complicate matters in a region keenly sensitive to shifts in power dynamics. As Armenia navigates this turbulent chapter, its future remains closely intertwined with the interplay of religious influence and political maneuvering.