Armenia: Prime Minister Sargsyan resigns April 23 after protests /update 7

Event

Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan announced his resignation from office on Monday, April 23, as activists staged anti-government protests in Yerevan and other areas for an 11th consecutive day. The move, announced on the prime minister's website, comes after around 200 unarmed Armenian soldiers joined in the protests on Monday; protest leader Nikol Pashinyan was also released from police custody before Sargsyan stepped down.

Further information regarding when Sargsyan will officially step down from office, as well as who will succeed him, has not yet been released. Additional gatherings and demonstrations are expected in Yerevan and in other Armenian cities in the coming hours and days. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected around potential demonstrations.

Context

Demonstrations demanding that Sargsyan resign from office have been taking place regularly in Yerevan since April 13. Thousands of demonstrators have participated in protest marches against the confirmation of Sargsyan as prime minister, with hundreds detained by police.

In December 2015, a controversial constitutional amendment was passed that changed Armenia's government from a semi-presidential system to a parliamentary republic. Under the new government, the president has a largely ceremonial role while the prime minister becomes more powerful. Opponents claim that the new system was designed to allow Sargsyan (first elected president in April 2008) to maintain control of the government following the end of his term on April 9. Opposition leaders have called for a "Velvet Revolution" in a bid to "preserve" democracy in the country.

Advice

Individuals present in Armenia, particularly in Yerevan, are advised to avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, monitor developments to the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.