Armenian PM says he skipped marriage to shield family from political persecution

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has explained his decision not to legally marry Anna Hakobyan, his longtime partner and the mother of their four children.

According to Armenian media cited by Caliber.Az, Pashinyan said the decision was made out of concern for his family’s safety and financial security during a politically turbulent period in his life.

“Back in the 1990s, when I was engaged in opposition political activities, I fully expected to be arrested, prosecuted, and have my assets confiscated,” he explained. “The only reason I chose not to marry was to protect my family.”

Pashinyan noted that although he and Hakobyan purchased a home together, it was registered solely in her name to shield their property from potential legal action against him. “I knew what could happen to me. I wanted my children to at least have a home. That’s the only reason we’re not officially married,” he said.

Pashinyan had first publicly acknowledged that he and Hakobyan were not legally married in December 2024. At the time, he remarked: “In a few days, it will be the 27th anniversary of our marriage, but we are not legally married.”

He further elaborated that their union was not formalised through a civil registry or a church ceremony. “Our relationship is cemented by our children,” he said.

Anna Hakobyan, in her own comments, noted that she and Pashinyan have been together since she was 17 years old.

By Tamilla Hasanova