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The judges of Armenia’s Constitutional Court may apply for the so-called ‘early retirement scheme’ by February 27, Vahagn Hovakimyan, member of the ruling “My Step” fraction told reporters at a briefing on Wednesday.

“We have a situation when a measure to resolve the crisis around the Constitutional Court is in place. That is to say, seven members of the Constitutional Court have the opportunity to leave their posts with dignity. We will update about further steps later,” Hovakimyan said.

To note, the scheme was part of the Judicial Reform Package developed by the ruling force and adopted by parliament in December 2019. It envisages a possibility for CC judges to resign before the end of their mandate with several advantages, including a provision they will continue to receive their salaries and other benefits if they tender resignations.

Since entering into force on December 27, 2019, no judge of the Court has applied for the scheme.

The authorities claim the new legislation remains voluntary and does not hinder the effective functioning of the Court, while opposition called the measure as 'legal bribe to judges', expressing concern the bill may be used as a tool by the political leadership to force the judges into resignation.