Armenian ruling party congress kicks off with Pashinyan arriving early

The 7th Congress of Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract Party has officially begun, with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan among the first to arrive at the venue this morning, on September 20.

Although the gathering was scheduled to start at 10:00 local time, Pashinyan reached the complex more than an hour early, according to journalists on the ground, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

Shortly after him, Defence Minister Suren Papikyan, Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also entered the building.

During the congress, delegates are set to elect a new party leadership. Local media also speculate that the proceedings could shed light on the team Pashinyan plans to “go with” in the next parliamentary elections.

By Sabina Mammadli