The second season of our Training & Development Workshop Program for Leadership Academy Alumni officially launched on May 8th — and it is already off to a strong start! Two engaging sessions have already taken place, welcoming graduates of the renowned Leadership Academy and helping them sharpen their critical thinking and analytical skills. Developed in collaboration with the Regional Studies Center and the Eduardo Frei Foundation, this initiative offers participants a rich program of in-depth analytical workshops, a structured mentorship initiative, and a publication campaign — all designed to foster continuous learning and empower the Leadership Academy alumni community.

Pashinyan picks fight with Armenian clergy
Growing tensions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the Armenian Apostolic Church have erupted into a highly public dispute. In a series of social media posts, Pashinyan accused Catholicos Garegin II and other clergy of serious misconduct, while calling for state involvement in Church elections—an idea widely criticized as unconstitutional. His wife, Anna Hakobyan, amplified the attacks with incendiary language. The campaign has drawn sharp reactions from church leaders, opposition figures, and civil society groups, who warn it could further polarize Armenian society and complicate the domestic political landscape.

Armenian–Azerbaijani peace talks stall – Pashinyan meets Aliyev
On 16 May, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held talks on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Tirana, seeking to advance stalled peace negotiations. Baku continues to delay the process re-emphasizing its demands for a so-called corridor through southern Armenia and conditions for the potential resettlement of Azerbaijanis in Armenia. Analysts suggest Azerbaijan is pursuing a deliberate strategy to maintain leverage and keep Yerevan in a state of uncertainty. For Pashinyan, however, finalising a peace deal remains a key political goal ahead of the 2026 elections.

Lavrov, other Russian officials visit Yerevan – Mixed domestic reactions
Recent visits by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (20–21 May) and Federation Council Chair Valentina Matviyenko to Yerevan underscored the shifting dynamics in Armenia–Russia relations. While official meetings focused on economic, parliamentary, and regional cooperation, the visits also triggered public protests reflecting growing domestic discontent with Moscow’s role. Concerns persist over Russian pressure and meddling in the country. Armenian officials emphasised efforts to diversify partnerships and reduce reliance on Russia. Despite formal diplomatic exchanges, tensions remain, with both sides acknowledging unresolved differences in the relationship.

Leading opposition figures jailed – GD starts intimidation campaign
In a sharp escalation of political pressure, Georgian authorities have jailed several key leaders of the opposition Coalition for Change in recent days. Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia, and Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze were all placed in pre-trial detention on charges of refusing to testify before a controversial parliamentary commission. The arrests, widely seen as politically motivated, follow a broader pattern of intimidation. United National Movement leader Tina Bokuchava also accused authorities of abducting and coercing her husband — a claim subsequently ridiculed by ruling party figures. Observers warn the arrests mark a deliberate move to dismantle organized opposition and suppress dissent ahead of pivotal elections.

Reshuffling in GD government continues – major officials replaced
The Georgian Dream administration is continuing its months-long series of high-level reshuffles across key state institutions. In recent weeks, the Interior Ministry, the Special Tasks Department, the State Audit Office, and the Finance Ministry have seen leadership changes, while a new ambassador to the U.S. has been appointed amid deteriorating bilateral ties. The pattern of replacements suggests an effort to tighten political control, with figures closely aligned with the ruling party increasingly filling top roles.

As FARA enters into force, GD already goes after independent media, activists
Ruling party officials in Georgia have swiftly moved to target independent media, civil society groups, and activists as a new foreign agents law takes effect. While many organizations vow to defy the legislation, Georgian Dream is pursuing legal action against critical voices, invoking new restrictions on speech and media. Recent cases include arrests of activists, fines for social media posts, and regulatory complaints against major opposition broadcasters. Critics warn the law is enabling an escalating campaign to stifle dissent.

Mass arrests over planned public protest in Baku
Calls for accountability over the death of 17-year-old Elgun Ibrahimov—who died on 12 May after being found severely injured in an abandoned dormitory—prompted a heavy-handed police response in Baku. On June 1, police detained at least 63 people, including minors, near a designated protest site. Detainees reported harassment, threats, and forced access to personal devices while in custody. The case has sparked widespread public concern, with activists and citizens questioning the official account of Ibrahimov’s death as a suicide and accusing authorities of attempting to suppress calls for accountability.

Azerbaijan, Turkey and Pakistan deepen strategic partnership in Lachin
A trilateral summit in Lachin brought Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Pakistani leaders together to strengthen cooperation across defence, trade, and transport. The choice of Lachin — a key district retaken by Azerbaijan in the 2020 war — carried symbolic weight, underlining Baku’s intent to consolidate control over the region and showcase its recovery efforts. Held alongside the inauguration of Lachin International Airport, the meeting highlighted deepening ties. Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also voiced mutual support on contested issues such as Karabakh, Kashmir, and Northern Cyprus, positioning their alliance as an increasingly active regional actor.