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Political analysts: Cancelation of 2004 political reform may deepen split in Ukraine
Aug. 25, 2010, 12:19 p.m. | Politics — by Interfax-Ukraine
The cancelation of the constitutional reform of 2004 could lead to disastrous deepening of a split of Ukraine, Director of Kyiv Center for Political Studies and Conflictology Mykhailo Pohrebinsky has said.
"If the presidential system returns [as a result of the cancelation of the constitutional reform of 2004] then this will be a permanent factor of tension, as everyone who gained support from one cultural basis – either from the eastern part, or the western – will be in the right. A step in this direction will lead to a disastrous deepening of the split in Ukraine, up to the issue of Ukraine's existence within its current boundaries," he said at a press conference in Kyiv on August 19.
At the same time, Pohrebinsky said that currently the president has enough power.
"The entire structure of power is under him," he said.
The expert expressed hope that the constitutional reform of 2004 would not be canceled. He said the influence of experts or the opposition would help ensure this.
Director of the Center for Civil Society Research Vitaliy Kulyk, in turn, said that the cancelation of the constitutional reform could take place, but not this year.
"I have doubts that this [the cancelation of the constitutional reform of 2004] will take place this year, but this will happen anyway as there is a tendency for the centralization of power, the reinforcement of the administrative chain [of power] and the fact that the president will want to reign and manage everything," Kulyk said.
As reported, on July 14, 2010, the Constitutional Court received a motion from 252 MPs regarding the constitutionality of law No. 2222-IV of December 8, 2004 amending the Constitution of Ukraine. On July 26, the Constitutional Court opened proceedings on this case, and almost all the judges immediately went on vacation until August 30.
The law of December 8, 2004 foresees a switch from a presidential-parliamentary to parliamentary-presidential form of government, the government's formation by the coalition of parliamentary factions, and the extension of the parliament's term to five years.
The law expanded the powers of the Verkhovna Rada, which gained the right to appoint the prime minister, the defense and foreign ministers under a motion from the president, as well as other government members under a motion from the prime minister.
At the same time, Pohrebinsky said that currently the president has enough power.
"The entire structure of power is under him," he said.
The expert expressed hope that the constitutional reform of 2004 would not be canceled. He said the influence of experts or the opposition would help ensure this.
Director of the Center for Civil Society Research Vitaliy Kulyk, in turn, said that the cancelation of the constitutional reform could take place, but not this year.
"I have doubts that this [the cancelation of the constitutional reform of 2004] will take place this year, but this will happen anyway as there is a tendency for the centralization of power, the reinforcement of the administrative chain [of power] and the fact that the president will want to reign and manage everything," Kulyk said.
As reported, on July 14, 2010, the Constitutional Court received a motion from 252 MPs regarding the constitutionality of law No. 2222-IV of December 8, 2004 amending the Constitution of Ukraine. On July 26, the Constitutional Court opened proceedings on this case, and almost all the judges immediately went on vacation until August 30.
The law of December 8, 2004 foresees a switch from a presidential-parliamentary to parliamentary-presidential form of government, the government's formation by the coalition of parliamentary factions, and the extension of the parliament's term to five years.
The law expanded the powers of the Verkhovna Rada, which gained the right to appoint the prime minister, the defense and foreign ministers under a motion from the president, as well as other government members under a motion from the prime minister.
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What is with East Slavs? A large number seem to favour dictators. At least it seems that way when the legislatures of the 3 East Slav countries hand over their powers to a president piece by piece. Get a grip people. You need strong parliamentary systems to function as a democracy. It is the basis of democracy. This notion that you cannot govern yourselves is not true. Don't listen to the propaganda that you need a dictator disguised as a "strong leader". Stalin and Hitler were "strong leaders". At least the nemtsi recognize that such strong leaders only lead to woe. East Slavs have not got the message. Yushchenko ought to be a clue. He wanted to be a strong leader and just created chaos. He might have had an excuse having had his brain poisoned. What excuse will Yanukovich have? "The people let me do it!"
Get rid of the American type Presidency and elect a figure head leader of the state. Hell even a constitutional monarchy would be better than what Russia and Belarus have and what Ukraine is headed for. People need more opportunity to publicly protest not less.
Ukraine had the opportunity to adopt a European parliamentary model of governance buy it failed to do so. Sadly that opportunity may have passed and may not be regained.
The US/Soviet style presidential system has failed Ukraine. The amendments in 2004 where a step in the right direction. Ukraine must follow in the foot steps of Estonia and Latvia and embrace Parliamentary democracy. The head of state should be appointed by a constitutional majority of the parliament and have less power not more.
The restoration of Presidential authority would be a backward step away from European values and democracy.
It is cynical for Yanukovych who previously advocated less Presidential power top now seek to increase Presidential authority. Of Yanukovych wants a change in the current political makeup then he should call fresh parliamentary elections and elect a new Parliament. This grab for power is a mistake and should be opposed in the long term interest of Ukraine and its democratic development.
Tak,tak chylovyky. People in the villages go to Kyiv! Now! Demonstrate! Go to gaol if you have to. West and east together. Stop the rude scrapping over who are real Ukrainians. Unite and demand true democracy or let the oligarchs grow richer and richer by running the presidency and Verkhovna Rada while the general population suffers!
Re the flag:
What color is East a what color the west? You are too subtle.
Blue east on yellow west shows a bear eating honey.