Nikol Pashinyan Reappointed as Armenia's Prime Minister for Fourth Time

Nikol Pashinyan was sworn in for a fourth term as Armenia’s prime minister on Sunday after President Vahagn Khachaturyan formally reappointed him, completing the constitutional process that followed the opening of the country’s newly elected parliament.

The reappointment, required under Armenia’s Constitution, allows Pashinyan to begin forming a new Cabinet following the June parliamentary elections.

The ruling Civil Contract party, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, formally nominated Pashinyan for the post. 

Khachaturyan signed the appointment decree during a meeting at the presidential residence, and it was later published on the president’s official website.

Under Article 158 of the Constitution, the government must resign on the first day of a newly elected parliament’s first session. Cabinet members remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed. Article 149 requires the president to appoint the parliamentary majority’s nominee for prime minister.

The appointment marks the fourth time Pashinyan has become Armenia's prime minister. He first took office on May 8, 2018, after the Velvet Revolution. He was reappointed in January 2019 following the 2018 snap parliamentary elections and again in August 2021 after another snap election.

In a Facebook post, Pashinyan confirmed his appointment and thanked the Civil Contract parliamentary faction for nominating him.

During their meeting, Khachaturyan congratulated Pashinyan and said Armenia’s leaders would need patience, resilience and determination as the country faces ongoing challenges.

Pashinyan said few could have predicted the difficulties Armenia would face after he first became prime minister in 2018. He credited the Armenian people with helping the country navigate those years and said they had demonstrated a strong commitment to statehood and democracy.

He also urged lawmakers in the newly elected parliament to focus on policy debates rather than personal attacks, saying disagreements should remain centered on political, economic and social issues.

Khachaturyan said Armenia’s stability depends not only on the governing majority but also on a responsible opposition that works in the country’s interests.

Pashinyan will now begin appointing ministers and forming a new government as the ninth convocation of Armenia’s National Assembly begins its work.

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