Internal Struggle Over Committee Chairmanships Within Civil Contract — "Zhoghovurd"

The "Zhoghovurd" daily writes: "On August 2, at 10:00 AM, the first session of the eighth convocation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia will convene, marking the start of the new political configuration formed after the 2026 parliamentary elections. As established by the Constitution and the constitutional law 'Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly,' the session will be chaired by the oldest member of parliament, Knyaz Hasanov.

Composition of the New Parliament

Three political forces will be represented in the National Assembly:

  • Civil Contract — 64 mandates

  • Strong Armenia — 29 mandates

  • Armenia alliance — 12 mandates

Although Civil Contract has retained its parliamentary majority, the upcoming session promises to be competitive, especially concerning the standing committees and legislative priorities.

Internal Struggle Over the Standing Committees

The most notable developments are related to the election of chairpersons for the National Assembly's 12 standing committees. The list of candidates shows that serious competition exists for a number of committees, particularly within the ruling faction.

Armlur.am has already reported that today, at the Civil Contract board's office, candidates for the chairmanships of the standing committees allocated to the ruling side will be selected.

Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs Arusyak Julhakyan (A single candidate has been put forward for this committee, meaning no surprises are expected here.)

Standing Committee on Defense and Security Affairs Armen Khachatryan Vilen Gabrielyan Sasun Mikayelyan (This is arguably the most heated competition, but Vilen Gabrielyan's position is stronger — his lobbying has worked well. The others have been passive.)

Standing Committee on Labor and Social Affairs Nazeli Baghdasaryan Mariam Poghosyan Zaruhi Batoyan Lilit Stepanyan Artur Hovhannisyan (The nomination of five candidates shows that the social bloc continues to be one of the most sought-after areas within the ruling side.)

Standing Committee on Health Affairs Lusine Badalyan Alkhas Ghazaryan Trdat Sargsyan Nelli Baveyan

Standing Committee on Education, Science, Culture, Diaspora, Youth, and Sport Affairs Ruzanna Yeremyan Sisak Gabrielyan Taguhi Ghazaryan

Standing Committee on the Protection of Human Rights Rustam Bakoyan Zaruhi Batoyan Hasmik Hakobyan

Standing Committee on Regional and Eurasian Integration Trdat Sargsyan Hasmik Hakobyan

Standing Committee on European Integration Arman Yeghoyan Sona Ghazaryan

Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Sargis Khandanyan Tatevik Ghazaryan

Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs Tsovinar Vardanyan Babken Tunyan Sergey Bagratyan

Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Babken Tunyan

Standing Committee on Territorial Administration Vahe Ghalumyan Garik Sargsyan

Agenda of the First Session

The inaugural session on August 2 is scheduled to address five main matters:

  1. Election of the Counting Commission

  2. Election of the Speaker of the National Assembly

  3. Election of the Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly

  4. Election of the chairpersons of the standing committees

  5. The question of structural changes to the government, if such a draft is submitted

Ruben Rubinyan has been nominated for the position of Speaker of the National Assembly, while Vahagn Aleksanyan and Hayk Konjoryan have been nominated for the positions of Deputy Speaker.

The Government Formation Process

According to our sources within the ruling side, before the Counting Commission is formed, the Civil Contract faction will send its draft decision on the candidate for prime minister to the President of the Republic. After the President signs the corresponding decision, the new government must be formed within a five-day period."

Details in today's issue of the "Zhoghovurd" daily.