A.Parubiy opens 9th session: Chair’s address in keywords

The Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Andriy Parubiy opened the Ninth plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of VIII convocation

Opening the meeting, the Chairman congratulated the audience on the start of a new political season.

In his speech, the politician prioritized the main issues of the 9^th session to be considered, having named among the most burning ones the Russian aggression and protection of the Ukrainian State.

A.Parubiy sees the national security issue to be a key point throughout the ongoing session. According to him, internal challenges are associated with Ukraine’s coming in a year of double elections.

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada is convinced that this will be a "period of chances and window of opportunity, when we can carry on a system work and answer the challenges that we face up to". "I am sure that the sense of responsibility of the majority of the parliamentarians present in this hall, the sense of statehood and the interests of the state are above all political emotions. I am certain that we will be able to work here systematically, prospectively and efficiently," stated the Speaker.

The key issue that needs to be first and foremost focused upon was said to be the issue of national security and support of the Ukrainian armed forces as a guarantee of independence, as well as further reforming the whole security sector in accordance with NATO standards. A.Parubiy recalled that the law "On National Security" had been adopted at the previous session.

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada supported the constitutionalization of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations as well as the accession to NATO.  This decision, he said, "shall guarantee that Ukraine’s heading on European and Euro-Atlantic integration remains invariable whatsoever politicians be sitting at the chamber - it is our duty and our mission".

Timely adoption of Ukraine’s state budget was also marked to be of high significance. The Chairman encouraged observing the tradition introduced last year – going through all stages of the adoption within the time limits stipulated by law.

Another ‘generous helping’ of the session’s work was stated to be an election cluster. A.Parubiy reminded that the Verkhovna Rada is committed to accomplish reforming Ukraine’s electoral legislation. He recalled that by 226 votes there had been passed the Electoral Code on the first reading, introducing open lists thus enabling voters to bring influence over political listings. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada expressed his hope that in upcoming October the Parliament would be capable of strapping to the Election Code, which could systematize a number of laws: both parliamentary and local council seats elections as well as the Central Election Commission.

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada paid special attention to the issue of European integration and the implementation of the necessary laws to this effect.  Last year, in concert with the Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Hroisman, there was elaborated and then presented the "Road Map" for implementation of Ukraine’s obligations under the Association Agreement with the European Union. "During the summer, there has been carried out a systematic work.  In fact, the work nears its completion, and you will see the final plan very soon: fifty odd laws, twenty-one of which are ready to be mooted," proclaimed the politician.

The Ukrainian Parliament’s Speaker stressed the need to consider a law on the state language at the session. "This issue is crucial for the life of the nation, for the life of the state, therefore, the language law should be adopted in the atmosphere of discussions," he said, adding that five language bills had already been tabled for consideration.

According to A.Parubiy, one of the main activities of the Verkhovna Rada during this session will also be reforming the Parliament, with regard, in particular, to the number of committees and their distribution through the agency of the D'Hondt method, and strengthening of a supervisory responsibility of the supreme legislative body of the country through finalizing the issue of ad hoc commissions of inquiry.

Also of importance was said to be constitutionalization of parliamentary immunity abrogation. "The Constitutional Court has made its decision, two topical bills were sent to the Parliament, and the Committee issued its conclusion and proposals. This is also an important position for the autumn," said the Chairman, having stressed that "the most important thing is systematic work of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine”.

"In difficult times, the Parliament has always been a centre of stability, and when there were meltdowns - there were enough parliamentarians to overcome the troubles. The Parliament is the core of resilience and the centre of decision-making. Until the Verkhovna Rada works - everything will be fine in our country. I believe and I am convinced that the level of responsibility at this time will be above all political emotions," said A.Parubiy and wished successful work and tenacity.

The meeting was attended by Ukraine’s members of parliament, the Prime Minister and members of the Government, heads of central bodies of executive power, representatives of the judicial branch, people of name, heads of diplomatic missions of foreign states, and the press.