New Armenian Constitution: key institutions and the rights of the Armenian people at risk

The information agency Ishkhanutyun obtained a revised version of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia. Added lines are highlighted in red, while deleted provisions have been struck through.

The amendments to the Constitution of Armenia endanger the fundamental values of the nation: its history, the family institution, ties with the Diaspora, and the priority of belonging to the Armenian nation within Armenia. Perhaps most striking is that this revised Constitution, which undermines the state’s value system, is presented under the appealing guise of “European values.”

In the preamble, the Constitution “erases historical memory.” There is no mention of the Declaration of Independence, whereas the current Constitution is based on it. The Declaration stated: “The Armenian people, taking as the foundation the fundamental principles of Armenian statehood and the national goals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence of Armenia, fulfilling the sacred mission of their freedom-loving ancestors to restore a sovereign state… adopts the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia.”

This reference has been removed in the new Constitution and replaced with the following: “The people of the Republic of Armenia, guided by the goals of preserving the independence, sovereignty, and continuity of statehood of the Republic of Armenia, protecting human rights and freedoms, strengthening a democratic and legal state, ensuring the security of the people and promoting general welfare, as well as striving to inherit a peaceful, secure, and prosperous homeland for future generations, adopt the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia.”

The removal of the Declaration of Independence from the Constitution was reportedly a demand from Ilham Aliyev, as it referenced Artsakh and the restoration of historical lands.

The new Constitution also eliminates Article 35, Paragraph 2, which previously stated that men and women have equal rights when entering into marriage, during marriage, and upon divorce. The amendment opens the door to changes in the traditional Armenian family model, including recognition of same-sex partnerships as families.

Article 36, defining parental rights and responsibilities, has been altered so that children are no longer obligated to care for their elderly parents. Previously, Paragraph 3 stated: “Minors capable of labor are obliged to care for their disabled and needy parents. Details are defined by law.” This provision has now been completely removed.

Under the new Constitution, ethnic Armenians can no longer acquire citizenship of Armenia through a simplified procedure. Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 of Article 47, which defined the right to citizenship, have been fully removed, meaning members of the Diaspora can no longer gain Armenian citizenship through a streamlined process.

Article 113, which allowed members of parliament to submit written inquiries to government officials, including the Prime Minister, essentially a tool for transparency and accountability, has been entirely removed. With this change, parliamentary oversight weakens, and the political system appears increasingly monarchical. The goal seems clear: prevent the opposition from influencing the government, granting the Prime Minister virtually unchecked power.

One of the most critical articles, Article 205, has been modified so that the Armenian people will no longer have a direct say in the country’s future. The Constitution, drafted by authorities aligned with the ruling bloc, now allows the government and parliament to determine Armenia’s membership in international organizations without a referendum. This poses a particularly serious issue regarding membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, as Armenia joined this organization in 2015 under the previous Constitution.