Republican spokesman says non-partisan ministers may join ruling party

The spokesperson of Armenia’s ruling political party says he sees high chances for increasing the number of cabinet members affiliated with their poltiical force.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting of the Republican Party’s executive body, Eduard Sharmazanov did not rule out the possibility that Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan and the non-partisan ministers will join their political team.

Sharmazanov reaffirmed the Republican’s responsibility for both the former and the current government.

Asked whether the party expects to see the new prime minister in office also after the 2017 parliamentary election, Sharmazanov refrained from making predictions. Instead, the spokesperson highlighted two steps which he considered decisive. “The Republican needs to receive the population’s vote of confidence to be entitled to name a prime minister as a single [political force] or in collaboration with partners. Later, [President] Serzh Sargsyan, who is the party’s leader, will introduce the candidate for prime minister.”

Asked to comment on the president’s earlier promise for creating a government of national consent, Sharmazanov said that the Republican never treats other political forces as foes or rivals. He said they never place barricades between themselves and others.