Armenian opposition factions unite in push to oust Pashinyan

Armenia’s opposition Hayastan and Pativ Unem factions have joined forces to launch impeachment proceedings against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, accusing him of repeated constitutional violations and “treason".

At a parliamentary debate on Friday, Hayastan MP Ishkhan Saghatelyan said his faction had formally handed over its MPs’ signatures to Pativ Unem to advance the no-confidence motion.

“We reaffirm our position that Pashinyan must be removed. The legal and political grounds are indisputable,” Saghatelyan said, adding that the opposition now expects to collect the remaining signatures needed to put the issue on the parliament agenda.

Under Armenia’s constitution, at least 36 lawmakers must sign a no-confidence motion that names an alternative candidate for prime minister. Together the two factions hold 34 seats, requiring them to secure two additional signatures before the motion can be introduced. For it to pass, 54 MPs must vote in favor, meaning 20 members of the ruling majority would need to defect.

Saghatelyan urged colleagues to agree on a roadmap and move swiftly to launch what he called the “real start” of the impeachment process.