January 27 designated as remembrance day for those who fell for the defense of the motherland; to be a non-working day
During its session on January 20, the National Assembly adopted a bill to supplement the Law “On Holidays and Memorial Days of the Republic of Armenia,” designating January 27 as a day of remembrance for those who fell for the defense of the motherland and a non-working day.
The bill was introduced by NA Vice President Ruben Rubinyan and Member of Parliament Gegham Nazaryan. The opposition voted against the project, but it was passed by a majority of votes.
Artsvik Minasyan, an MP from the opposition “Armenia” faction, stated that designating this specific date as a remembrance day is unacceptable to them, noting that such an approach targets the Armenian Army and associates the word “victim” (the fallen) with the military.
Ruben Rubinyan announced on social media that, at their request, the President of the Republic will sign the law as quickly as possible so that it enters into force this year. According to him, in that case, January 27, 2026, will be a non-working day.
The co-author of the bill noted that the selected date is symbolic and is not linked to any specific military operation. According to him, January 27 precedes Army Day, celebrated on January 28, which provides an opportunity to first pay tribute to those who fell for the defense of the motherland and then celebrate the Day of the Armenian Army.
Rubinyan also mentioned that other options were considered during the discussions, including dates in August and Merelots (Day of Remembrance of the Dead) following church holidays, but due to a lack of general consensus, January 27 was chosen.