Pashinyan struggles for his political life

Opposition forces in Armenia are maintaining pressure on prime minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign in the aftermath of the country's defeat in the recent Karabakh War.

Whilst several opposition parties have taken to the streets, the two opposition parties represented in the country's parliament are using the opportunity of a four day session which started on Tuesday (17 November) to push for the prime minister's resignation from the parliamentary tribune. A number of senior officials have also resigned or been relived of their posts, including foreign minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan.

Pashinyan himself however appear to be defiant. Addressing MPs from his My Step party yesterday Pashinyan said that he considers the government's priority tasks was to restore security and legitimacy in the Republic of Armenia and the opportunity to hold a democratic discussion.

"Our main task is to create an opportunity for public discourse in the conditions of democracy, stability and legitimacy. "Today I do not think we have that opportunity, because we have a problem to restore security and legitimacy in the Republic of Armenia, the opportunity to hold a democratic discussion," Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister noted that the first task of the government is to restore that opportunity, after which it will be possible to talk about other things to do.

The prime minister said he has no plans to resign and his main concern is the stability and security of the country.

"I have made it clear today that armed violence will not be an instrument of government. I call on the opposition to take the same step," he told his party MPs.

However, speaking on televison last night, Armenia's president, Armen Sarkissian, whose constitutional role is largely symbolic, appeared to weigh in favour of those supporting the prime minister's resignation. He said:

"Given the current situation and the imperative to overcome it with dignity, listening to the public demand, it is obvious that in order to keep the country from shaking, early elections to the National Assembly will be inevitable.

In this context, in my opinion, the only responsible approach may be the objective assessment of its own potential by the government and the ruling political force and the presentation of a roadmap in a short period of time, which will provide a timeline for initiating relevant constitutional processes. The management will be handed over to a highly qualified National Accord government."

source: commonspace.eu with agencies

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
Dunya Mijatovic: "Entrenched harmful stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI people still prevail in segments of Georgian society, including some politicians"

Dunya Mijatovic: "Entrenched harmful stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI people still prevail in segments of Georgian society, including some politicians"

On March 27, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, issued a statement calling on the Georgian government to “fully respect” its human rights obligations as a Council of Europe member state, “including with regard to the protection of the human rights of LGBTI people,” in response to the ruling party’s initiation of two draft constitutional laws on “family values and the protection of minors.” “I am concerned about the present political discourse in Georgia, as illustrated by the announcement made by the Georgian Dream Party of their initiative to amend the Constitution and to adopt a new constitutional law on ‘Protection of Family Values and Underaged Persons’. It is reflective of entrenched harmful stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI people which still prevail in segments of Georgian society, including some politicians, and is capable of having a strong, negative impact on the human rights, safety and well-being of LGBTI people and defenders of their rights. It also represents the political manipulation of LGBTI-phobia in the run-up to elections, which I have previously condemned, and which should have no place in a democratic society, based on the rule of law and respect for human rights of everyone.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Dunya Mijatovic: "Entrenched harmful stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI people still prevail in segments of Georgian society, including some politicians"

Dunya Mijatovic: "Entrenched harmful stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI people still prevail in segments of Georgian society, including some politicians"

On March 27, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, issued a statement calling on the Georgian government to “fully respect” its human rights obligations as a Council of Europe member state, “including with regard to the protection of the human rights of LGBTI people,” in response to the ruling party’s initiation of two draft constitutional laws on “family values and the protection of minors.” “I am concerned about the present political discourse in Georgia, as illustrated by the announcement made by the Georgian Dream Party of their initiative to amend the Constitution and to adopt a new constitutional law on ‘Protection of Family Values and Underaged Persons’. It is reflective of entrenched harmful stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI people which still prevail in segments of Georgian society, including some politicians, and is capable of having a strong, negative impact on the human rights, safety and well-being of LGBTI people and defenders of their rights. It also represents the political manipulation of LGBTI-phobia in the run-up to elections, which I have previously condemned, and which should have no place in a democratic society, based on the rule of law and respect for human rights of everyone.