Former Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan leads New Power party’s 2026 election bid

Actor and former mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan, will be the New Power party’s candidate for prime minister in the 2026 elections.

The New Power party, founded and led by Marutyan—who served as mayor of Yerevan from 2018 until his ousting in 2021—announced its bid for parliament on Saturday.

“We are running [for office] in this year’s elections,” Marutyan said at an event. “Our party is incorruptible, unconstrained, and free, and if the people make their decision and we assume that responsibility, we are ready to serve our people and Armenia with full dedication.”

During the event, the party’s pre-election program was also presented, outlining reforms in the economy, social welfare, education, and several other sectors. The party also emphasizes that Armenia’s development is only possible by building a state based on European standards.

“Armenia’s membership in the European Union has no alternative; Armenia must begin negotiations on EU accession as soon as possible,” said party member Grigor Yeritsyan.