The Parade of Dismissals in Artsakh: Will New Recruits Come from Abroad?

Artsakh’s State Minister Ruben Vardanyan has barely assumed office, yet he has already initiated a significant reshuffle within the government. Yesterday, he dismissed all cabinet ministers, appointing only four as interim replacements. The newspaper 'Zhoghovurd' reports that this wave of dismissals has surprised not only political forces in Artsakh but also representatives of the executive, legislative, and security structures.

According to sources within Artsakh, no new names have emerged in regard to potential appointments as of now. “This information is being kept very secret. It is also unclear who he is consulting about this or whether he is even consulting anyone at all, or if he is making decisions independently,” a source told the newspaper, adding that it seems likely that the new governmental cabinet will not be formed from local individuals. “He will either bring in personnel from Armenia or from abroad. He keeps emphasizing that non-standard solutions are needed in Artsakh today, and it appears that he will prioritize specialists in ‘non-standard’ solutions,” the source added.

More details can be found in today’s issue of the newspaper.

Furthermore, it was revealed yesterday that the President of the Republic of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, signed a series of decrees on November 23 regarding dismissals, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs Davit Babayan and eight other ministers.

The interim Minister of Foreign Affairs Davit Babayan tried to clarify the reasons behind Harutyunyan's mentioned decisions, stating, “The changes in the government are objective in nature. After all, a person cannot hold a single position throughout their entire life. Therefore, we must approach all this calmly, especially established and state figures should do so. I am not a child to fall into hysteria, especially since you know I am one of those who has never fought for chairs and stools at any phase. A part of the government that is coordinated by the state minister — five ministers have been dismissed, and four continue to work as interim appointees,” Babayan said, adding that this is a natural phenomenon.