The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, declared the need for radical changes in the justice system, calling its current state “shameful” and requiring urgent intervention. According to him, existing mechanisms no longer function effectively, and the problem must be addressed in a “surgical” manner.

Speaking in the National Assembly of Armenia, Pashinyan noted that the authorities attach particular importance to judicial reform, including the possible introduction of jury trials. He added that various state institutions still retain the influence of a “mafia system”, which, in his words, has “metastases” in parliament, the government, the courts, the prosecutor’s office, investigative bodies, and the police.

“We are fighting the mafia in many areas, and this mafia has its metastases everywhere. Enough of shaking the nerves of the people”, he said.

Pashinyan emphasized that, in his view, the current justice system reproduces itself and lacks sufficient connection with society.

“There is an organic problem: this system is not connected with the people. In the Republic of Armenia, there cannot be a body of power that does not originate from the people”, the Prime Minister noted.

The head of government also acknowledged that during eight years in power, his team has not been able to implement the necessary reforms. He explained this by the impossibility of carrying out changes without revising the Constitution.

“This is impossible without constitutional changes — neither with the current Constitution nor with its amendments”, Pashinyan stated.

At the same time, representatives of the opposition criticized the initiative. MP from the “Armenia” faction, Armen Rustamyan, said that calls for adopting a new Constitution have an external political origin.

“The demand for a new Constitution, no matter how it is presented, comes from Baku”, he noted.

 

Pashinyan’s statements reflect the authorities’ intention to overcome a prolonged institutional crisis and improve the effectiveness of the justice system through deep reforms, including possible constitutional changes. The emphasis on breaking with “mafia” practices and strengthening the connection between institutions and society indicates an attempt to reinforce state legitimacy and restore public trust. At the same time, criticism from the opposition, including Armen Rustamyan, shows that the reforms will take place amid political competition and will require broad internal consolidation.

Journalist

Marine Kharatyan

#ARMENIA

21.04.2026 08:53