Armenian Parliament Makes Initial Moves to Nationalize Electric Networks of Armenia

Armenia’s National Assembly has passed a bill in its first reading to nationalize the Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA), Orda.kz reports, citing The Insider.

Tashir Group owns the company.

Sixty-five lawmakers voted in favor, while 30 opposed the measure, according to Baghramyan 26.

The vote follows escalating political pressure from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who warned via Facebook that ENA employees “engaged in political intrigues” would be dismissed. He also vowed legal consequences for anyone forcing staff to attend protests and promised to reinstate workers fired for refusing to participate.

The remarks come ahead of a reported July 4 rally in support of Samvel Karapetyan, owner of the Tashir Group and ENA. Karapetyan’s nephew, Narek Karapetyan, called on supporters to gather in central Yerevan, urging:

Meanwhile, News.am reported that Armenian law enforcement began searches on July 2 at Tashir Group’s main office in Yerevan.

Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan — ranked 44th on Russia’s Forbes list — was arrested in Yerevan on June 18.

Authorities charged him with publicly calling for the seizure of power after he voiced support for the Armenian Apostolic Church, which has clashed with Pashinyan’s administration.

The prime minister later announced plans to nationalize ENA.

According to Tashir’s website, ENA joined the group in 2015 and is responsible for electricity distribution and sales throughout Armenia.