Abraamian To Form New Armenian Government

Ovik Abraamian, Armenia's new prime minister

Ovik Abraamian has started work to form a new government following his appointment as Armenia’s prime minister.

Abraamian, who was the speaker of parliament before his appointment, takes over as prime minister from Tigran Sarkisian, who resigned on April 3.

Sarkisian stepped down days after the Constitutional Court ruled that a controversial pension reform, which had been a major initiative of the Sarkisian cabinet, was unconstitutional and should be changed.

The reform had triggered mass demonstrations by protesters who claimed that the law would not guarantee workers a decent retirement income.

Abraamian has 20 days to form a new government after President Serzh Sarkisian signed a decree appointing him prime minister on April 13.

Abraamian is part of the leadership of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia.
Based on reporting by AFP and ITAR-TASS