PM Nikol Pashinyan Wants to Change Armenia’s Constitution

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the possibility of a new Constitution in an interview with Public Radio of Armenia on February 1. The topic of constitutional reform has been a recurring theme with the current Armenian government, gaining prominence after the 2018 revolution and resurfacing following the 44-day war in 2020.

Pashinyan recalled that, after the 2018 revolution, there were suggestions to revert to a semi-presidential system, but he did not endorse this idea. However, post-war discussions reignited the topic, with considerations that a different system might have yielded different outcomes during the war. The Prime Minister acknowledged gaps in the current Constitution, particularly concerning the relationship between the commander-in-chief and the army, which became apparent during the war.

In his recent remarks, Pashinyan emphasized his focus on strengthening state institutions and addressing the gap between the citizen and the state. He believes that a new Constitution is necessary to create a deeper connection between the state and its people. Pashinyan sees the constitutional referendum as a crucial moment for a nation to transition from being a non-state entity to becoming a united people.

According to Pashinyan, the content of the Constitution matters less than its organic connection with the people. He stressed the importance of a genetic link between the state and the people, one that reflects the will and agreement of the citizens. Pashinyan sees legitimacy as a crucial aspect, emphasizing the need for citizens to participate willingly and without coercion in the constitutional referendum.

While some speculate that external pressures, particularly from Azerbaijan, may be influencing these constitutional discussions, Pashinyan maintains that the focus should be on ensuring the country's security. He used a metaphor involving bulls on a road, symbolizing external threats, and stressed the necessity of collectively deciding on the best course of action to navigate such challenges.