Rule of Law Party to Become ‘Republicanized,’ While Artur Baghdasaryan Receives New Post

After signing a new coalition declaration on Feb. 17, the issue of the three parties in the ruling coalition – Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), Prosperous Party (BHK) and Rule of Law (OEK) — backing a single candidate in the elections was being discussed, reports local daily Hraparak.

“The most against this was BHK. According to our information, [Prosperous Party leader] Gagik Tsarukyan and [Armenian President] Serzh Sargsyan made an agreement that they will run in the National Assembly [parliamentary] elections separately. In this case, the question of OEK becomes complicated; however, the RA president has decided not to forsake his junior fellow and a few OEK members will make it to the Republicans’ list.

“And after the elections, [OEK leader] Artur Baghdasaryan receiving a new position is not ruled out. According to reports, the State Revenue Committee will be split and Baghdasaryan will be assigned chair of [the] Customs [Committee]. Tax will continue to operate under the chairmanship of [State Revenue Committee chair] Gagik Khachatryan.

“By the way, it’s still not clear who from OEK will enter parliament. Perhaps only the question of Hovhannes Margaryan is definite, while, say, [the question of] Heghine Bisharyan is still being discussed,” writes Hraparak.