Media: Armenian foreign minister fears challenging PM Pashinyan

In a surprising turn of events, tensions within Armenia's ruling party, Civil Contract, have come to light, with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan allegedly at the centre of controversy.

Reports from the Armenian publication Hraparak suggest that Mirzoyan, once considered a potential successor to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan due to his perceived independence and integrity, has disappointed some within the party ranks.

“The ruling party is deeply disappointed with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, whom some in the team considered a replacement for Pashinyan due to his independence and integrity. However, Mirzoyan disappointed team members with his position and behaviour at recent party meetings,” Caliber.Az quotes Hraparak as saying.

The publication suggests that Mirzoyan appears to coordinate all his actions with Pashinyan, refraining from challenging him even on matters where he privately disagrees. One such issue highlighted in the report is Armenia's potential constitutional changes, particularly concerning references to the Declaration of Independence and adjustments at the request of Azerbaijan. Mirzoyan, allegedly, has not voiced his dissent against these changes, despite his reservations.

“According to the data, Ararat Mirzoyan coordinates all his steps with Pashinyan and does not even try to resist him, even on issues on which he does not hide his disagreement in a narrow circle. They say that Mirzoyan is also against Armenia changing the Constitution at the request of Azerbaijan, much less removing the reference to the Declaration of Independence,” the newspaper adds.

The report points out a stark contrast in Mirzoyan's public statements versus his behaviour in private discussions. While he carefully hinted at his stance during a press conference earlier this year, stating that the Constitution was not hindering the peace process, internally, he remains silent, purportedly out of fear of opposing the party leader.

"In the coming days," the publication states, "the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be received by the Civil Contract faction in the format of a closed meeting." This meeting is anticipated to shed further light on the dynamics within the ruling party, particularly regarding Mirzoyan's alleged reluctance to challenge Pashinyan's authority.

As speculation continues to swirl within political circles, observers are closely watching how these internal tensions will unfold and whether they will have wider implications for Armenia's political landscape.