Oleksandr Korniyenko: Understanding the challenges of martial law, we will continue the parliamentary reform to put the fundamentals in order
27 June 2022, 20:12
First Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniyenko opened a welcoming parliamentary seminar on "Guaranteeing the Constitutional Status of the Parliament in Wartime."
"Parliament must make a 'quantum leap' according to its procedures. If we talk about the whole country's reform, about economic "quantum leaps," that after the war, we will have to recover at a radical pace, we are counting on great economic and social growth, accession to the European Union," said the First Vice-Speaker. He also added that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, as a reflection of society, must respond to the challenges.
Oleksandr Korniyenko noted that probably none of the "founding fathers who wrote the Constitution in 1996 would deny that when they planned and projected the life of Ukraine, they did not expect that there would be a war in this country that would last for four months."
"Accordingly, it is clear that neither the Constitution nor the legislation has been adapted and does not include quality opportunities, that the country may be in a state of war for months," he said.
"It is still unknown how long we will live in a state of war, so the urgency of the issues of sustainability of government, Parliament, sustainability of key documents during the war and their maximum protection from any influences is growing," – said Oleksandr Korniyenko, adding that such issues are debatable and should be discussed.
The First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament stated that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, given its significant status as the only legislative body in the country, should seek a balance in reviewing issues arising during the war: “If we put the Parliament at physical risk, we will create a power vacuum. A balance must be sought between the two."
"We have found a balance in Parliament through political dialogue: the permanent Conciliation Council, the coalition. The leadership of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine invested hundreds of hours of work so that the laws would be voted on faster in the sitting room, "Oleksandr Korniyenko said. "When there are 350-400 single legislators in the Parliament building simultaneously, which is irreplaceable at the moment, this is a huge risk for the state. We must remember and work to ensure that our procedures consider this important factor.”
In addition, the First Vice-Speaker thanked USAID RADA: Next Generation. In particular, for joint partnership projects: “We are very grateful that in these difficult times you are with us, support the Parliament in general, allow us to gather and form delegations. And we are open to these talks, negotiations, in particular, that we are doing considerable work within the National Council for Reconstruction. " He also said that groups are working on public sector reform, administrative reform, public administration, and parliamentary reform.
"Understanding the challenges of martial law, we will continue parliamentary reform to put things in order," Oleksandr Korniyenko said.
The event was organized with the participation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the RANG Program, the International Institute for Democracy and Election Promotion (International IDEA), the Center for Political and Legal Reforms.