Government members’ oath to be amended under proposed legislation

A draft law proposing amendments to the Law on the Structure and Functioning of the Government has been submitted for public discussion on Armenia’s unified platform for the publication of draft legal acts. The draft has been introduced by the Ministry of Justice. According to the explanatory note, the purpose of the proposed amendments is to improve the legal substance of the oath taken by members of the government. The document states that the revised text would more clearly reflect the values of strengthening statehood, protecting public and state interests, and promoting the development and continuity of the Republic of Armenia. The draft proposes a new wording for Part 2 of Article 4 of the Law on the Structure and Functioning of the Government, adopted on March 23, 2018. Under the proposed revision, newly appointed members of the government would take the following oath: “For the continuity, sovereignty and development of the Republic of Armenia, I swear to conscientiously fulfil my duties as a member of the Government, uphold the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia, serve the public interest, protect the state interest, contribute to the strengthening of the statehood and constitutional order of the Republic of Armenia, and act in the interests of present and future generations.” According to the explanatory note, the proposed amendment is expected to ensure that the oath taken by government members more comprehensively reflects the scope of responsibility associated with assuming office, as well as the fundamental values underlying state authority. The draft law provides that, if adopted, it will enter into force on the day following its official publication.