The bill on changes in the structure of the government is already in the final stage of development and will be sent to the National Assembly soon. This is what Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan told journalists on 27 March.

Journalists asked if the government would accept Bright Armenia Party’s version of changes to the structure of the government. Avinyan said the following in response: “The National Assembly’s relevant committee will consider the package of changes, and the package will be considered during a session. Our colleagues of the Bright Armenia Party will have all the opportunities to present their recommendations.”

When asked if the government is determined to have its version of the amendments adopted or if it is ready to make changes, the Deputy PM said the following: “We hope we don’t leave the impression of a government with dogmas or a government guided by axiomatic principles. We are open to al discussions and logical proposals.”

In regard to the conversion of the Police and the National Security Service into ministries, he said he was not certain that the Police and the National Security Service can operate effectively as ministries. “Will they be developing policies, or is the government trying to solve the issue of parliamentary oversight over their activities? For instance, the Director of the National Security Service participated in the session of the Standing Committee on Defense and Security of the National Assembly, and this was unprecedented. So, the National Assembly de facto has leverages for oversight.”

According to the draft amendments to the structure of the government, the number of ministries will be reduced, while the National Security Service and the Police will remain as separate bodies. There will also be a Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs under the subordination of the Prime Minister. Bright Armenia Party recommends having 14 ministries, including a Ministry of National Security, as well as joining the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Police to create the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The political party also recommends maintaining the positions of three deputy Prime Ministers, reserving the function of dealing with the Diaspora and repatriation to one of them.