RA Ministry of Justice submitts draft amendments to law for public  discussion changing oath for members of Cabinet of Ministers 

ArmInfo.  The RA Ministry of Justice has submitted draft amendments to the law "On the Structure and Activities of the Government" for public discussion on the legal  information website e-draft.am. These amendments would change the  oath of office for members of the Cabinet of Ministers upon their  inauguration.

The draft proposes amending the text by adding additional value  components. Currently, the text does not fully reflect the key  elements of state sustainability, responsibility to generations, and  the strengthening and development of statehood, which are essential  prerequisites for a democratic and rule-of-law state. The concepts  used in the proposed oath were chosen to reflect the foundations of  the statehood of the Republic of Armenia, the principles of  democratic governance, and the constitutional mission of a member of  the government.

The draft law proposes adding the phrase "For the Sustainability,  Sovereignty, and Development of the Republic of Armenia," which  defines the primary value and political goal of a member of the  government.  "Sustainability" expresses the idea of the long-term  existence, stability, and continuity of the Republic of Armenia.  "Sovereignty" characterizes the independence of the Republic of  Armenia, the ability to act independently within its territory and in  foreign relations, and is one of the fundamental characteristics of  statehood. "Development" emphasizes the importance of the state's  progress, competitiveness, prosperity, and forward-looking policies.

The clause "To Observe the Constitution and Laws of the Republic of  Armenia" emphasizes loyalty to the constitutional order and the duty  that underlies the rule of law. The Constitution is the fundamental  law of the state, and compliance with the law is a prerequisite for  the lawful operation of state bodies.

The phrase "Serve the public interest" is intended to emphasize that  the primary criterion for a government member's activities is not  private or group interests, but the general interest of society and  the state. The concept of public interest is one of the key  principles of democratic governance.

The phrase "Contribute to the strengthening of the statehood of the  Republic of Armenia" emphasizes the government member's  responsibility for the creation of state institutions, effective  governance, national security, and the development of state capacity.  Strengthening statehood is an essential condition for maintaining an  independent and sovereign state.

The phrase "Be guided by the principle of the rule of law" is based  on one of the fundamental values of a democratic state based on the  rule of law. The rule of law implies that state power is limited by  the requirements of the law, and all individuals and state bodies act  within the law.

The provision "Act in the interests of present and future  generations" expresses the long-term responsibility of state  authorities. It emphasizes that political decisions should be  assessed not only in terms of short-term impact, but also in terms of  the further development of the Republic of Armenia and the  preservation of its economic, social, and institutional heritage.  This approach aims to strengthen the principle of intergenerational  responsibility in public administration.

The aim of the draft law is to improve the legal content of the oath  of office for members of the government, more clearly reflecting the  values aimed at strengthening statehood, protecting public and state  interests, and promoting the development and sustainability of the  Republic of Armenia. The adoption of the draft law is expected to  result in the oath taken by members of the government more fully  reflecting the scope of responsibility associated with assuming  office and the fundamental values underlying state authority.