RA government establishes new rules
During state and ceremonial events in the Republic of Armenia, the national anthem must mandatorily be performed live. The corresponding decision was adopted during today’s government session. The performance can be orchestral, orchestral-choral, or choral.
Presenting the project, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (ESCS), Zhanna Andreasyan, noted that a unified procedure is being established regarding when, where, and in what format the anthem should be played, so that the application of a single standard has an unambiguous definition and use. In the case of non-state events, the use of official recordings of the anthem will be permitted.
The decision also stipulates that during the performance of the anthem, those present must listen while standing, with their right hand placed on their chest. An exception will be applied only in cases where a person cannot do so due to physical limitations.
In kindergartens, schools, and educational colleges, the anthem must be performed live by the students at the beginning of each academic week. According to the Minister, the anthem should become one of the first pieces of knowledge children acquire about state symbols and should shape a consciousness of statehood.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan suggested that it should also be possible to form choirs in state institutions to perform the anthem. He viewed this as an element enriching the daily routine of the state system. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the continuous broadcasting of the old music video of the anthem on television channels, emphasizing that it must be updated. According to the Minister, the script proposal for the new video is already ready and will be introduced soon.
It should be recalled that on March 5, 2025, the National Assembly adopted the draft on making amendments to the Law “On the National Anthem of the Republic of Armenia,” which changed the sequence of the stanzas in the lyrics of the anthem.
