Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman does not exclude the possibility of amending Constitution in the part of decentralization in September, under the condition of agreed work of the Parliament and constitutional commission.
“There is a presidential initiative and I deem it to be absolutely right,” said Volodymyr Groysman in the interview to the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency, released on Thursday. “The President will set up a constitutional commission which should be professional to the maximum in order to promptly elaborate a starting, base package of amendments to the Main law,” he added.
Further on, according to the Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada, Interim special commission could be established in the Parliament so that the working text of amendments to the Main law could be referred to it. Volodymyr Groysman said that after elaboration, the document should be adopted by 226 votes, referred to the Venice Commission and the Constitutional Court, and already in September it would be possible to vote on amendments to the Constitution in the second reading.
“2015 should be the year of reforms, as well as the year of country’s decentralization. According to our plans, we should carry out decentralization and amend the Constitution prior to October in order to elaborate the correct system of government of the state,” noted Chair of the Parliament.
Responding to the questions, he expressed an idea that public discussion of the bill will be held “in the course of preparation of amendments” for voting in the Verkhovna Rada.
Volodymyr Groysman claimed also that under present-day complicated situation, decentralization does not weaken the state. On the contrary, it makes it strong. “Talking about decentralization of authority, we do not mean that it is necessary to decentralize the army, the National Guard, or defense and law enforcement agencies, which influences country’s security. We mean that it is necessary to establish a proper system of governance, under which, officials in Kyiv will mind their own work instead of exerting pressure on everyone,” he explained, adding that “most important is not to impede people’s life. This is the key to success for the development of Ukraine.”
Responding to the questions, Volodymyr Groysman expressed an idea regarding expediency of reducing the number of the people’s deputies. “I think it would be wise to reduce the number of the people’s deputies,” he said.
Chairperson of the Parliament believes also that it is necessary “to resolve the issue of deputy immunity.” “This should take place either prior to decentralization, or in the course of this process. It should be settled. It seems to me that no one should have the feeling of impunity,” he stressed.
“All the other issues will be considered in line with the agenda. A lot of spheres of life require reconsideration,” summed Volodymyr Groysman.
Thereat, Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada expressed conviction that all the branches of power should be disposed to quick changing of the existing system of governance that has proved its incapacity. “Our main task lies in prompt change of the existing system. I think that today it is highly likely to be carried out within the triangle “President-Parliament-Government”,” he said.