National Assembly adopted amendments to the Law on Government Structure in the first reading
Armenia's National Assembly passed through the first reading amendments to Law on Government Structure of the Republic of Armenia with 63 votes in favor and 32 opposed votes.
The new legislation proposes structural and procedural changes in the government. According to it, the new cabinet will be formed by prime minister, first deputy prime minister, two deputy prime ministers and 17 ministers. Currently the Armenian government consists of 18 ministries.
Earlier, 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.
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.