Opposition: Armenian PM strengthening super-premiership system Debates on interior ministry

The Armenian parliament has started to consider a package of amendments to the law “On the Structure and Activity of the Government” and 37 related laws, which envisage the establishment of the Interior Ministry in the second and final reading.

According to the opposition members, the envisaged amendments strengthen the system of super-premiership in Armenia, therefore the members from Kocharyan's "Armenia" bloc voiced proposals, which will slightly alleviate the situation, Caliber.Az reports citing the Armenian media.

However, the proposals of the opposition were not accepted.

While presenting the bill in the second reading, Deputy Minister of Justice Arpine Sargsyan noted that the MPs submitted four proposals, one of which was partially adopted.

Proceeding from three proposals, the police leadership should be appointed by the president, but as the police, after the adoption of the law, will be accountable to the Interior Ministry, such regulation in the government was considered impossible.

The only exception will be the command of the police forces, as they, according to the Constitution, are considered "other troops", therefore, appointments and ranks are made and assigned by the president.

“However, we intend to create a police guard, so the issue will be corrected, and taking into account the change in the functional base, the command of the police forces will also be appointed by the prime minister, rather than by the president,” Sargsyan said.

“This way, the government will solve the only legislative “gap” on the way to achieving a super-premiership,” the report.

The main part of the changes in the period from the first to the second reading was made at the initiative of the government itself.

The Interior Ministry will not deal with development of a labour migration policy, which is the most important change. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs will deal with this issue.

The Interior Ministry will only facilitate the implementation of the prescribed procedures.

The package of amendments was supplemented by changes in another law “On Private Security Activity” during the period from the first to the second reading because the Interior Ministry will have the policy development functions in this sphere as well.

Sargsyan informed that over the past week the package of amendments was also considered in the format of closed discussions with members of the parliamentary commissions on state-legal issues and on defence and security issues.

“We have discussed all the scenarios that will follow the adoption of this legislative package,” the deputy minister said.