Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn has spoken in favor of changes to the Ukrainian Constitution, strengthening of the presidential power, and increasing the liability of the executive administration.
"Ukraine will fulfill its obligations to the Council of Europe by making these changes. I believe there should be a strong president, a strong parliament, and a responsible Cabinet of Ministers," Lytvyn told Channel One television.
Lytvyn has called for changes to the Constitution that will de-centralize the administration in Ukraine and give more powers to local self-government bodies to increase their role.
The parliament speaker also called for reconsideration of some other articles of the Constitution that are currently not being fulfilled. As an example, Lytvyn mentioned the provisions of the Constitution that guarantee free education and medical services.
Lytvyn also called for changes of the principle governing the formation of some public bodies on the basis of quotas, for example, the National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting, the Observer Council of the National Bank, etc.
Speaking about the Constitutional Assembly, the speaker reiterated that he cannot object to the idea of a Constitutional Assembly that will work on changes to the Ukrainian Constitution.
"If the Constitutional Assembly, which will involve experts and specialists, develops an acceptable document that will meet the current needs and prospects of Ukraine, it will be great," Lytvyn said.
Lytvyn reiterated that changes to the Ukrainian Constitution can only be adopted by the parliament under the current Constitution.
Lytvyn said a referendum may be conducted on some provisions of the Constitution.
