Defense Minister to Have a First Deputy: What They Are Thinking

The newspaper "Hraparak" writes: "The position of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces will henceforth be considered as the first deputy of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia. "Hraparak" learned that the Ministry of Defense of the RA has made such a proposal, intending to amend the 'Law on Defense' of the Republic of Armenia.

We have learned that, according to the draft decision, it is planned to revise the powers of the Government in the defense sector, specifically outlining separate responsibilities, and expanding the scope of acts accepted by the Security Council of Armenia, including a number of fundamental plans and programs regulating the defense and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, other troops, economic activities, mobilization preparation, and mobilization in a common framework – the defense plan of the Republic of Armenia.

Additionally, the powers of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the Ministry of Defense, the Chief of the General Staff, and the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff are clarified. It should be noted that the project is included in the agenda of today's government meeting. This is done so that Artak Davtyan's powers are reduced, ultimately leading to his removal from office as a suspect.

Overall, this change is meant to provide Nikol Pashinyan with a personal minister who will have full control over both the military, political, and civil situations, reporting exclusively to him. In other words, the army will have one head, especially since there are not many staff available anymore.

For more details, see today’s issue of the newspaper.