These days, many are scratching their heads over the political definition of the extraordinary situation created in the relations between the parliament and the government. The parliamentary majority has declared itself the opposition, and the executive is seen as a minority government. Although quite unusual for a parliamentary system, such situations often arise in presidential and semi-presidential republics known by the term “cohabitation”.

These are the cases when the president represents one party, while the parliament is dominated by deputies of another party. It makes the smooth functioning of the state machinery extremely difficult, often creating crisis situations. The Republican Party, having the parliamentary majority, is capable of aborting all legislative initiatives of the government, and judging by the latest speeches, they do not hide such an intention.

What can the newly elected government led by Pashinyan oppose to this? Until this moment, Pashinyan imposed his will on the parliament through popular protest and uprising, which, as a manifestation of democracy, was understood by the international community. However, can he influence the parliament in the same way from now on? Obviously not, because that resource is already exhausted. It is one thing to impose one’s will on the parliament in the capacity of the leader of the popular movement, and quite another thing in the capacity of the prime minister. In this case, the international community will not tolerate such practices, because it will be seen as an act of power impermissible pressure exerted by one wing on the other, especially considering the fact that the same international community once recognized both the parliamentary elections and the parliament formed as a result of them.

Therefore, as many realize, the only way to get out of this extremely dangerous situation for the country is to hold extraordinary parliamentary elections, of course, after a radical transformation of the electoral code. However, serious complications are expected in this issue as well, because the transformation of the electoral code again depends on the will of the parliamentary majority. It should not be ignored that in addition to the motive of political confrontation, the Republicans also have personal interests, because they are not sure that they can appear in the parliament after the next elections.

Let’s hope that in order to overcome the legislative obstacles created in the matter of holding extraordinary parliamentary elections due to the existing difficult constitution, the influential political forces will show the will and common sense to find a way out of this difficult situation threatening our statehood through negotiations, dialogue and mutual agreement.