Founding Parliament (Armenia)

The Founding Parliament was a radical opposition group in Armenia that emerged in 2013. It aimed to overthrow the ruling government, which it accused of corruption and authoritarianism, and to establish a new political system through a popular uprising. The group was known for its uncompromising stance and its advocacy of direct action.

Key figures associated with the Founding Parliament included Jirair Sefilian, a Lebanese-born Armenian military commander and political activist. Sefilian played a significant role in the Artsakh War and was a vocal critic of the Armenian government's policies.

The group's activities included organizing protests, demonstrations, and attempts to seize government buildings. These actions often resulted in clashes with law enforcement and arrests of its members.

The Founding Parliament was dissolved in 2018 following the Velvet Revolution, which led to the resignation of Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan and the election of Nikol Pashinyan. While some members of the Founding Parliament supported the revolution, others remained skeptical and critical of the new government. The goals of the organization were ultimately not met, but they played a part in the political landscape before the Velvet Revolution. The organization's legacy remains debated in Armenia, with some viewing it as a legitimate force for change and others as a destabilizing influence.