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The new Government of Armenia will be formed by prime minister, first deputy prime minister, two deputy prime ministers and 17 ministers, according to the new draft law that proposes structural and procedural changes in the government.

Currently the Armenian government consists of 18 ministries.

Introducing the bill on the “Structure and Activities of the Government”, Minister of Justice David Harutyunyan said under the new measure the government will be considered formed after at least 2/3 of the government members are appointed, except the prime minister.

“The draft law sets the cases when the prime minister is obliged to submit resignation, namely when s/he loses citizenship, gains a citizenship of another state or violates the requirements of incompatibility as prescribed by law,” the minister detailed.

He noted under the draft law the prime minister will also be deprived of powers if s/he fails to propose the required number of candidates necessary to form the government within five days.

“A provision on the prime minister’s office is also envisaged to ensure the powers of PM and deputy PM,” Harutyunyan said, adding the relevant office will serve the deputy prime ministers.

The minister added the legislative measure also features provisions on regular government sessions and their quorum, especially during emergencies, for example during wartime.

“As you know the government sessions will be convened behind closed doors, however since the government cannot conduct its activities out of the public eye, the bills both on and out of the agenda must be published on the government’s website a day before,” Harutyunyan added.

Armenia will switch to the parliamentary system of government in April, according to the new constitution adopted in referendum in 2015. The president will have mostly ceremonial role, with the real executive power vested in the prime minister.