A familiar figure is taking a new place in Armenia's political arena, and he's sparking equally familiar opposition. Former President Serzh Sarkisian, whose term ended April 9, was appointed the country's next prime minister on April 17. There were 77 votes for and 17 votes against his nomination in Armenia's parliament. Sarkisian's appointment is a controversial one, coming amid a wave of demonstrations begun April 13 by Armenians who oppose the leader's continued hold on power. Indeed, Sarkisian's new term as prime minister will last seven years and comes with expanded powers due to constitutional amendments . In Yerevan, demonstrations have reportedly grown to 10,000 people, with activists blocking major streets and government buildings. Protesters attempted to storm the parliamentary building before they were pushed back by police, and dozens of people have been arrested as the demonstrations spread to other cities.