Zelensky withdraws bill on constitutional amendments on decentralization

16.01.2020 14:17

Ukrinform

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky withdraws the bill on amendments to the Constitution on decentralization of power and sends it for revision.

The decision was made following the meeting with the deputy heads of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, the press service of the Head of State reports.

“Following the meeting, the Head of State decided to withdraw his draft law "On Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine (on Decentralization of Power)" (registration number 2598) and submit it for revision,” the statement reads.

As noted, the final stage of decentralization reform was discussed at the meeting of the President of Ukraine with the deputy heads of the Servant of the People Party faction, which constitutes the parliamentary majority in the Verkhovna Rada.

“The participants noted the consensus on the strategic objectives of this reform - the creation of a system of capable local communities in Ukraine. The development of local self-government must be combined with effective constitutional mechanisms protecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens,” the Office of the President reports.

The President and MPs agreed that amending the Constitution on decentralization reform would require detailed discussion and consultations with representatives of all parties.

On December 13, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky registered the draft law No. 2598 “On Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine (On Decentralization of Power)” in the Verkhovna Rada.

The bill aims to introduce the institute of prefect for the administrative oversight of the observance of the Constitution and laws of Ukraine by local self-government bodies, coordination of the activities of territorial departments of central executive bodies. A prefect is appointed and dismissed by the President of Ukraine upon the recommendation from the Cabinet of Ministers.

It is envisaged that the prefect may suspend the acts of local self-government on the grounds of their inconsistency with the Constitution or the laws of Ukraine with a simultaneous commencement of action.