YEREVAN. – The rate at which the “unloading” of the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) is progressing was perhaps expected, Haykakan Zhamanak daily reported.

“But if this same rate is maintained in the future, too, the party can turn into a minuscule party at best, [or] into a [one-]man party at worst. 

“The same applies also to the PAP [National Assembly] Faction. This faction, which comprised 36 MPs until the recent turmoil, (…) actually has 24 MPs at this point. [And some of] these MPs may quit the party in the future at any time,” Haykakan Zhamanak wrote.

As reported earlier, speaking at the February 12 meeting of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) Board, President Serzh Sargsyan, who is also chairman of the RPA Board, had stated that then-PAP Chairman, MP and oligarch Gagik Tsarukyan had become a vice for the country as a political player. He also relieved the PAP leader from his status as a National Security Council member, and promised that a process will begin in connection with Tsarukyan’s frequent absence from the parliament sessions.

In response to President Sargsyan’s remarks, Gagik Tsarukyan issued a statement, on February 13, noting that the incumbent authorities must be removed from power immediately. In addition, he urged to achieve Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation by way of lawful political methods.

On February 17, however, Serzh Sargsyan and Gagik Tsarukyan held a brokered talk, and on the next day, the then-PAP leader issued a milder statement. He also called off the rally that was slated for February 20.

And on Thursday, March 5, Tsarukyan announced that he is quitting active politics, PAP National Assembly Faction Secretary Naira Zohrabyan was elected new leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party, and she declared the latter—which had been a non-pro-government force—an opposition party.