Pashinyan tenders resignation to pave way to snap elections

Nikol Pashinyan announced his resignation from post of Prime Minister in a televised address on Tuesday.

In his speech aired by the Public Television of Armenia, Pashinyan said that the move was necessary “to bring to completion our non-violent velvet revolution by holding snap parliamentary elections.”

His full official address is provided below:

Dear compatriots,

My dear people,

Proud citizens of the Republic of Armenia,

As I said, I am resigning today from the office of Armenia’s prime minister. The purpose of this resignation is not to leave the post of prime minister, getting rid of the responsibility assumed before you, but instead to bring to completion our non-violent velvet revolution by holding snap parliamentary elections and returning power to the people.

The roadmap to early parliamentary elections is as follows: After my resignation, the President of the Republic of Armenia shall immediately accept the government’s resignation. The National Assembly will not elect a prime minister twice over the next 14 days, due to which the National Assembly will be dissolved, and the President will assign preterm parliamentary elections. During this time, the members of government will continue to fulfill their duties, I will continue to fulfill the constitutional powers of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, that is, I will continue to be the guarantor of people’s victory, and if you vote for our political team in December, I shall be reelected to the office of RA Prime Minister.

Of course, many are afraid and wonder if we are prepared for the scenario where Parliament may nominate another candidate for the prime minister. I do not even want to say that the events of October 2 demonstrated that we are more than prepared for any scenario because no force can stand before the people’s will and wishes.

But now I do not want to think of any such scenario. Although there are contradictions, sharp debates with a number of parliamentary forces, I do not think that they may have the intent and purpose of acting against the people and the national security of the Republic of Armenia.

Parliamentary forces have shown that regardless of all contradictions and misinterpretations, our statehood, its stability and security represent a red line for them, and I believe that they will never cross that line. Especially as the RPA, the Tsarukyan bloc and the ARF faction have publicly stated that they are not going to nominate or elect a prime minister.

I also want to tell the representatives of the parliamentary majority that while we have been criticizing them so far, we are not looking for and will never look for enemies in Armenia.

All the way through my political career, I have said and now I want to reiterate that I never had and will never have enemies in Armenia. Wishing all political forces every success at the proposed snap parliamentary elections, I would like to reaffirm that our government shall guarantee the expression of people’s free will during the elections.

Dear Compatriots,

Although this resignation is of formal nature, the moment is truly exciting because we usher in the next round of our revolution and enter a completely new era.

And now, looking back at the past five months of my premiership, I want to thank you for your endless support and trust.

I also want to apologize to all those whom I have disappointed by failing to meet their legitimate hopes. Nevertheless, my dear compatriots, you may rest assured that I am not indifferent and keep in mind all your grievances; all your dreams are in my heart: they give me wings and strength to stand in front of you, and state with confidence that everything will be OK, everything is going to be fine.

Be prepared for ever new victories, for building a powerful, free and happy Armenia.

I love you all. I am proud of all of you. I bow down and kiss you all. And therefore,

Long live Freedom!

Long live the Republic of Armenia!

Long live our children who are living and will live in a free and happy Armenia!