Pashinyan Reappointed to Lead Government
Armenia's head of state, Vahagn Khachaturyan, has formally appointed Nikol Pashinyan to continue as prime minister, following the resignation he submitted on August 2. That resignation was mandatory under the national constitution because a newly elected parliament was beginning its work; in Yerevan, the entire cabinet must step down once the National Assembly convenes its first session. After accepting the government's resignation, the president selected the candidate nominated by the political force holding the parliamentary majority.
Pashinyan stepped down on the day the ninth convocation of Armenia's parliament held its opening session. The final vote count from the June 14, 2026 parliamentary election, released by the Central Electoral Commission, gave his Civil Contract party 49.74 percent of the vote, translating into 61 seats out of 101. That result let the party form a government on its own and approve legislation without needing coalition partners.
“Pursuant to Article 149(1) of the Constitution, Nikol Pashinyan is appointed Prime Minister,” the presidential decree stated.
The reappointment marks another phase of Pashinyan's leadership as the new parliamentary session gets underway. His party's electoral victory underscores voter endorsement of his political direction, which could shape government stability and the agenda for reforms. How the administration handles domestic and foreign challenges facing Armenia will be closely watched.
As Pashinyan embarks on a new term, understanding the context of the recent government resignation is crucial. The recent developments highlight the political shifts occurring within Armenia's governance structure. For a closer look at the circumstances surrounding the cabinet's departure as the new parliament convened, see how the Armenian government transitioned during this pivotal moment.