The ruling Republican Party of Armenia is said to be considering plans for replacing the minister of defense after the presidential election.President Serzh Sargsyan reportedly expressed his discontent with Vigen Sargsyan’s work in narrow circles recently, complaining that he wasn’t able to meet his expectations.
The paper says it has learned from “well-informed sources” that the authorities are now discussing plans for appointing Sargsyan minister of foreign affairs. The same sources reportedly claimed that Artak Zakaryan, currently a deputy minister of defense, is going to replace Sargsyan.
As for incumbent Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, the Republican reportedly has plans to field his candidacy for the post of Armenia’s president in spring. The paper notes that the 2015 constitutional reforms restrict the presidential powers, which means that the president to be elected by the National Assembly after April 9 will enjoy less authority compared to the prime minister.