[50659] Music Summit in Yerevan: Macron and Pashinyan perform together on a state visit

Yerevan visit by Emmanuel Macron: Between diplomacy and a musical performance

During his official visit to Yerevan on May 4-5, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a social event that drew significant media attention. According to reports from NEXTA Live and Strana.ua, the leaders performed the song "La Bohème" by Charles Aznavour together with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, with Macron serving as lead vocalist, Khachaturyan accompanying on piano, and Pashinyan on drums.

While networks like NEXTA Live and Kontext described the event as part of a state visit that also included an exchange of decorations, sources critical of the Armenian government and Russia, such as RT and Absatz, portrayed the performance as a "circus" indicating a lack of seriousness during a political crisis. Absatz even characterized the performance as "something between karaoke under the influence of alcohol and a school band rehearsal."

Alongside the festive aspect, the visit was accompanied by protest. According to Sputnik and Alpha News, human rights activist Hovhannes Ishkhanyan approached Macron after the President's morning run and called on him "not to support a man who tramples on the constitution and commits genocide against his own people." Kontext also reported on popular gestures toward Macron, including the singing of "La Marseillaise" by locals during his strolls through the city.

The event, which took place on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit, sparked discussions online regarding the nature of diplomatic relations and the personal conduct of the leaders. While supporters of European diplomatic activity in the region emphasized the cultural connection, critical voices used the footage to attack the legitimacy of the Armenian government.