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The Armenian Cabinet approved a draft law that proposes structural and procedural changes in the government at today’s session.

Presenting the bill on the “Structure and Activities of the Government”, Minister of Justice David Harutyunyan said under the new legislative measure the government will be formed by the prime minister, first deputy prime minister, two deputy prime ministers and ministers. According to him, the government will be considered formed after at least 2/3 of the government members are appointed.

David Harutyunyan informed the government will feature 18 ministries. Apart from this, the law also stipulates a new requirement according to which a government member is obliged to swear an oath as it is the case with MPs and judicial power representatives.

The new draft law also defines the cases when the prime minister is obliged to submit resignation.

Reflecting on the regular sessions of the government, the minister said they will be convened behind closed doors as envisaged by the bill. He cited the practice in other states that normally hold their sessions behind closed doors. However, by the prime minister’s decision, some of these sessions will be held openly to inform the public on certain issues.

Nevertheless, according to Mr Harutyunyan, the law defines an obligation for the prime minister to ensure the transparency of the government’s activities by providing the society with information about them.