President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has announced his resignation, citing his office's incapacity to influence policy at times of national crisis as the reason.
Last year, Sarkissian, who has been president since 2018, was at the centre of a domestic political crisis that emerged in the aftermath of a conflict between Armenia and its long-time foe Azerbaijan for control of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh territory.
Last year, he had a standoff with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan over several issues, including the removal of the commander of the armed forces in the aftermath of the conflict, which drew thousands of people to the streets across the country.
"This is not an emotional decision; it is based on logic," Sarkissian said in a statement posted on his official website on 23 January.
"In tough times for the people and the nation, the president lacks the essential instruments to influence critical foreign and domestic policy processes," he added.
"I hope that the constitutional reforms will be adopted eventually," he continued, "and that the next president and presidential administration will be able to function in a more balanced atmosphere."
In Armenia, the president's role is essentially ceremonial, while the prime minister oversees the executive branch. After a vote in 2015 that drastically reduced presidential powers, Armenia became a parliamentary republic.
After serving as Armenia's ambassador to the United Kingdom, the outgoing president was elected in 2018. In 1996-1997, Sarkissian served as Prime Minister of Armenia.
Armenian activist Vicken Sosikian analysing Sarkissian’s resignation said that “President Sarkissian was actively working to bolster international trade with Armenia up to the very last few days, successfully making deals for mega investment projects during his recent Middle East visits. He finished his last business trip and took off for vacation just days ago.”
“He announced his resignation while not being in Armenia, but on vacation. This, combined with the fact that he was actively conducting presidential level work just before the announcement, insinuates that the decision was rushed or at least sudden,” Sosikian added.
“The role of interim president of Armenia will be filled, according to the Constitution, by the speaker of the National Assembly - that happens to be one of Nikol's most trusted accomplices, Alen Simonyan,” he flagged.
