Armenia
Justice Minister Srbuhi Galian has reiterated her commitment to finalizing a draft of Armenia's new constitution by March 2026. This initiative is part of the government's broader efforts to address preconditions set by Azerbaijan for a peace treaty, which include amending constitutional references to Armenia's 1990 declaration of independence. The proposed changes aim to facilitate the signing of the peace treaty and are expected to be put to a referendum following the general elections scheduled for June 2026.
The push for constitutional reform stems from Azerbaijan's demand that Armenia remove specific references in its constitution that are perceived as territorial claims. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has publicly committed to enacting a new constitution to meet these demands, emphasizing that the changes do not equate to conceding to Azerbaijani pressure but are steps toward lasting peace.
Opposition groups in Armenia have expressed skepticism about the government's assurances, arguing that such unilateral concessions may embolden further demands from Azerbaijan without guaranteeing real peace. They have pledged to challenge the proposed constitutional changes, highlighting concerns over national sovereignty and the implications of altering foundational legal documents under external pressure.
The Constitutional Reform Council, led by Minister Galian, is tasked with drafting the new constitution. The government plans to present the draft to the public and hold a referendum post the June 2026 general elections. This timeline underscores the administration's intent to align constitutional reforms with broader democratic processes, ensuring public participation and legitimacy.
