Pashinyan reminds of government’s plan to adopt new constitution by 2027

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on August 21 that his administration is working on a draft of a new constitution, which is expected to be adopted through a referendum by 2027.

“We are now working on the draft of the new constitution. When it is ready, we will hold a referendum. But this has nothing to do with this process [peace process with Azerbaijan]. However, it could have impact on this process from a strategic perspective,” Pashinyan stated at a press briefing following a Cabinet meeting, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media. 

He also noted that if the Constitutional Court rules the initialed peace treaty with Azerbaijan unconstitutional during ratification, he would personally initiate amendments to the current Constitution.

“During the ratification process, if our Constitutional Court decides that the peace agreement which has been initialed now and would be subsequently signed, contradicts the Constitution, I myself would initiate constitutional changes,” he said, adding that “there is no need to think about this now.”

Reaffirming his government’s determination to finalise the peace agreement, Pashinyan stressed that Armenia is working “every day in that direction” and will continue to do so. He added that the next parliamentary elections would effectively present voters with a choice between “peace and not peace.”

“I don’t want to say peace or war, I will say it more mildly – between peace and not peace. And this is why I clearly said in my Monday address that this peace needs everyday care, and this is something we must all do together, each in their place, including the citizens, while making up their stance in politics,” Pashinyan said.

Meanwhile, the Armenian prime minister announced that a former official from the ruling “Civil Contract” faction, Arsen Torosyan, will be appointed Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. On August 20, Torosyan resigned his parliamentary mandate.

Pashinyan also stated that another official from the “Civil Contract” faction, Aren Mkrtchyan, will take up the position of Governor of the Lori province. These appointments are part of changes in the system of state and territorial administration.

By Sabina Mammadli