Armenian government moves to amend oath of office for cabinet members

The Armenian government seeks to amend the oath of office taken by cabinet members, arguing that the current wording no longer adequately reflects the principles of statehood, constitutional governance and responsibility to future generations.

A draft amendment to the Law on the Structure and Activities of the Government has been submitted for public consultation on the government’s legislative portal, e-draft.am. The proposal, introduced by the Ministry of Justice, aims to strengthen the legal and symbolic substance of the oath by placing greater emphasis on national sovereignty, public service, constitutional order and the long-term development of the Armenian state.

According to the ministry, the proposed revision is intended to ensure that the oath more fully captures the obligations assumed by government officials upon taking office and more clearly articulates the core values underlying public authority.

Under the proposed text, government members would swear:

"For the perpetuity, sovereignty and development of the Republic of Armenia, I swear to faithfully fulfill my duties as a member of the Government, uphold the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia, serve the public interest, protect the interests of the state, contribute to the strengthening of Armenia’s statehood and constitutional order, and act in the interests of present and future generations."

The current oath states:

"For the realization of national goals and the strengthening of the homeland, I swear to conscientiously fulfill my obligations to the people, uphold the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia, contribute to safeguarding the sovereignty and interests of the Republic of Armenia, and remain faithful to the high calling of a member of the Government."

In its explanatory memorandum, the Ministry of Justice argues that the current wording fails to sufficiently emphasize several concepts it considers fundamental to a modern democratic state, including the continuity of statehood, responsibility to future generations, institutional resilience and national development.

“The current text does not fully reflect the key elements of state continuity, accountability to future generations, the strengthening of statehood and development, all of which constitute essential prerequisites for a democratic state governed by the rule of law,” the ministry said.

Officials say the revised language was crafted to better reflect the constitutional role of government members, the foundations of Armenian statehood and the principles of democratic governance.

The initiative comes after National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan, Civil Contract MPs Arusyak Julhakyan and Hasmik Hakobyan introduced a bill to revise the parliamentary oath.

According to Hraparak, the proposed changes are designed to align more closely with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s “Real Armenia” concept, removing references to broader national aspirations.