Deputy Speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly, Ruben Rubinyan, criticized the parliamentary opposition—particularly those aligned with former presidents—accusing them of consistently acting against Armenia’s sovereignty, security, and democracy.

“Our opposition, led first and foremost by the so-called former presidents, has done everything—and continues to do so—against Armenia’s sovereignty, security, and democracy,” he said, as reported by Radar.am .

Responding to remarks made by third President and Republican Party head Serzh Sargsyan—who, when speaking about the 2018 events, claimed that “the people kissed the forehead of the loudest braying donkey from the herd”—Rubinyan said, “It’s very tempting to come up with other figurative comparisons involving donkeys.”

“It’s tempting to use more donkey-related metaphors, especially when people speak nonsense. You know what the people call that. But I won’t stoop to that level,” Rubinyan said. “Instead, I’ll answer Serzh Sargsyan with his own words from April 23, 2018: ‘Nikol Pashinyan was right, I was wrong.’ So now it’s time, as the people say, to stop the ‘donkey talk.’”

Speaking at an event marking the 35th anniversary of the Republican Party of Armenia, its chairman Serzh Sargsyan defended his party against claims it helped bring Nikol Pashinyan to power. Referring to the 2018 revolution, he reiterated his statement from the party’s last congress, saying he “didn’t force anyone to go and kiss the forehead of the loudest braying donkey in the herd.” Sargsyan added, “That has become a catchphrase about these people. And now, considering recent developments, I want to continue: ‘Don’t tie your kissed donkey to our gate.’ Everyone is responsible for the donkey whose forehead they kissed.”