Armenian government resigns as newly elected parliament convenes first session

In accordance with Article 158 of the Constitution, the Armenian government has submitted its resignation on the day of the inaugural session of the newly elected National Assembly.

 Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the move during a livestream on his Facebook page.

“Dear compatriots, today the first session of the ninth convocation of the National Assembly has begun, and under Article 158 of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, the Government submits its resignation to the President of the Republic on the day of the first session of the National Assembly. I am now about to sign the Government’s resignation in accordance with Article 158 of the Constitution, addressed to the President of the Republic,” Pashinyan said.

The prime minister then read out the letter addressed to the president before signing it. 

“Your Excellency Mr President, pursuant to Article 158 of the Constitution, I respectfully request that you accept the resignation of the Government.” Pashinyan said the letter would be sent to the president later on Saturday and that, in accordance with the Constitution, the president would accept the government’s resignation. He added that the members of the government would continue performing their duties until a new cabinet is formed.

“The next step is set out in Article 149 of the Constitution, which states that, after the term of office of the newly elected National Assembly begins, the President of the Republic shall immediately appoint as prime minister the candidate nominated by the parliamentary majority.

Today, the parliamentary majority will nominate its candidate for prime minister to the President of the Republic, and the appointment will then take place in accordance with Article 148 of the Constitution. I wish you all a good day, and I love you all,” Pashinyan said.