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Armenia's Prime Minister Resigns After More Than A Week Of Protests

Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan is resigning. Here's why.
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Armenia's Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan has resigned.

It comes after more than a week of protests in the country's capital called for him to step down.

Here's what's going on: Sargsyan was first elected Armenia's president in 2008. He was re-elected in 2013. His second and final term as president ended April 9, 2018. Just eight days later, he was elected Armenia's prime minister — a role that previously had less power.

But here's the kicker: As his final presidential term ended, the country's constitution was amended to give the prime minister more power and reduce the presidency to a ceremonial role.

Anti-government protesters took to the streets, calling for his resignation.

Sargsyan released a statement Monday tendering his resignation. The Armenian government says former Prime Minister Karen Karapetian will stand in for Sargsyan until a new PM is elected.