Pashinyan resigns to trigger early elections

Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan has resigned, triggering a constitutional process that should see early parliamentary elections held in December. Pashinyan will contin ue to serve as caretaker prime minister until the elections.

According to the Armenian constitution if the prime minister resigns, and parliament fails in two consecutive votes to elect a successor, parliament is dissolved and early elections held.

Pashinyan has been prime minister since May, when in a surprise move, former president Serzh Sargsyan who had just ended two terms as president, resigned days after being appointed as prime minister following massive street protests.

Whilst Pashinyan continues to have wide popular support, parliament remained dominated by the old guard led by the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA). Technically parliament can still decide tyo appoint someone else as prime minister, but this would be a highly devisive move - one that could trigger another wave of popular unrest, so the likelyhood is that parliament will acquiesce to Pashinyan's with and that parliamentary elections will be held in December.

Pahinyanm announced his resignation in an emotional speech broadcast live by Armenia's public broadcasting channel. The prime minister concluded his speech with a strong personal message to the Armenian people:

"I want you to know definitely and undoubtedly: all your pains are in my heart, all your needs are in my thoughts, all your dreams are in my soul and give me wings and strength to stand before you and to confidently say - everything will be all right, everything will be very good.

Prepare yourselves for new victories and prepare for building a new and powerful, free and happy Armenia.

I love you all, I am proud of you all, I bow before you all, I kiss you all."

source: commonspace.eu

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.