You're reading: President initiates administrative reform in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has launched the first stage of the administrative reform, according to the official Web site of the head of state.

"On December 9, the president launched the first stage of the administrative reform, which will become an important component of the overall administrative reform. This reform provides for significant changes in the structure of the executive agencies. There have been defined six types of central executive agencies: ministries, services, inspections, agencies, independent regulators and agencies with special status. Of a total of 112 central executive agencies, 63 have been established. These are 16 ministries, 28 services, 12 agencies and seven inspections," reads a report on the presidential Web site.

Yanukovych recommends the reform of the Cabinet of Ministers, both the government and the secretariat, which supports the operations of the Cabinet. The number of members of the Cabinet of Ministers will be reduced from 36 to 17. The number of the Cabinet of Ministers’ employees is currently 1,174 people, it will be reduced by more than half. The system of management of the ministries will also change, according to the Web site.

"The post of chief of staff – deputy minister will be introduced. At the same time, each minister will have two deputies with the political status. The reform of the civil service of Ukraine will start simultaneously. The president is preparing to submit to the Verkhovna Rada a bill on public service, central executive agencies and national regulators as well as amendments to the law on the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine," the report said.