New Armenian Premier to form his new government within 20 days

On April 13, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree to appoint the Parliament Speaker Ovik Abramyan to the post of the Prime Minister. The new government will be formed within 20 days.

According to Eduard Sharmazanov, the press secretary of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Abramyan's candidacy was approved by the RPA's executive body.

As reported by the "News-Armenia", Sergey Minasyan, the Head of the Division for Political Studies of the Caucasus Institute, believes that this appointment was caused by the new Premier's capability to form an extended coalition.

According to the expert, Abramyan is acceptable primarily for the "Prosperous Armenia" Party, with whose leader, Gagik Tsarukyan, the new Premier is in kinship – Tsarukyan's daughter is married to Abramyan's son.

However, the "Prosperous Armenia" said that they have no intention to join the ruling coalition. The RIA "Novosti" has reported with reference to Tigran Urikhanyan, an MP and the press secretary of the party, on April 12, Gagik Tsarukyan has a meeting with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and said that at this stage his party opposes constitutional reforms, believing that economic reforms are the today's priority.