Social investor Ruben Vardanyan believes that “we all have to help Nikol Pashinyan”, as his failure would mean “a disaster for Armenian nation”.

“Armenia is facing multiple challenges. The country needs reforms and modernization in all areas. He [Pashinyan] will have a very difficult job and we all have to help him, because if he fails, it will be a disaster for Armenian nation. The people gave him a large mandate and we hope he can really meet these very high expectations. He definitely has no experience in running an economic transformation, but if he becomes a right consolidator of professional and open-minded people, then we will have a chance,” Vardanyan said in the interview to Deutsche Welle.

When asked how important Russia is for Armenia, Ruben Vardanyan said:

“It is biggest market for Armenian goods. Let’s be honest, if tomorrow Armenian becomes a member of the European Union, many Armenian products will fall out of competition. Russia is also a large investor in Armenia and a provider of jobs for many Armenians who were not able to find employment at home.”