[Report] Return to Armenia from the post-Pachinian diaspora

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An electoral panel of Prime Minister Reformer Nikol Pachinian. Armenia is a former Soviet republic whose large diaspora is very well represented in culture and sport. KAREN MINASYAN / AFP

It is Sunday that will take place in Armenia the legislative elections. A highly anticipated election, because Nikol Pachinian appointed Prime Minister last May after the "velvet revolution" hopes to obtain the majority that will allow him to initiate reforms. The "velvet revolution" has brought hope and enthusiasm not only to Armenia but also to the Armenian diaspora. Armenians from this diaspora have also decided to return to their country of origin in the wake of this revolution. Reportage.

Report with our special correspondent in Yerevan, Daniel Vallot

It has been three weeks since he moved to this small apartment in the very center of Yerevan. Hovanes Gasparian is 31, he has lived most of his life in the United States in Los Angeles. It was his parents who fled Armenia in the early 90s. And he always dreamed of settling here in his home country.

" I always had in mind to come back, but it was difficult, " he says. It changed with the revolution and also with the appeal of Prime Minister Pachinian who asked the Armenians of the diaspora to return. It really touched me. "

What also weighed heavily on Hovanes' decision is the will of the leader of the " Velvet Revolution " to end corruption. For him, who hopes to make a living in Armenia, find a job and start a family, it was a condition sine qua non .

" Of course we do not erase 20 years of corruption overnight, and I think it will be difficult. But I have hope, and this is the most important. It will be long, it will be hard, but I think we will get there , "he says.

Hovanes does not yet have Armenian nationality, so he will not be able to vote on Sunday. But he hopes that Nikol Pachinian will get the widest possible majority, so he says, to be able to carry through the necessary reforms.

► Listen to the audio version of the report 07/12/2018 - by Daniel Vallot Listen