PM Pashinyan meets with newly formed Public Council

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with members of the newly formed Public Council at the Matenadaran.

The Chairman of the Public Council, Ara Khzmalyan also attended the meeting.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Pashinyan first congratulated the members on their appointment and emphasized that the constitutional provision defining the Public Council as a consultative body of the Government must be fully realized. He noted that the Government needs such a platform, format  for consultations and expressed hope that the newly formed Public Council would fulfill that role.

"I consider the Public Council, first and foremost, a space for brainstorming, where the country's development strategies, as well as tactical and specific issues, can be discussed. I believe this is a valuable opportunity for the Government to enhance the effectiveness of its future activities," the Prime Minister stated.

Despite the pessimistic public mood in Armenia he observes following public platforms, the Prime Minister stressed that he personally feels optimistic.

He noted that he is more optimistic today about the future of the Republic of Armenia than he was in 2018 or 2019, and even more so than in 2020 or 2021.

What has changed during this time? From the Prime Minister’s point of view, the key change is that the Government now has a very specific project. "I would like us not to underestimate the importance of this project, especially since its focus lies in our own actions—what we decide to do or not do—not in the actions of others. In my view, this shift in focus is the most significant transformation in the worldview of the Government and the state system," he said.

According to the Prime Minister, the project involves ongoing work, discussions in various formats, and active engagement with the public. He expressed hope that the Public Council will become a platform for such dialogue.

The Prime Minister also pledged the Government’s active and high-level involvement in the work of the Council, while emphasizing that it should become a space for the exchange of ideas, open discussions, and debates.

The meeting also addressed issues related to the future activities of the Public Council. Prime Minister Pashinyan answered questions raised by its members.