You're reading: Yanukovych backs ‘improvement’ of constitution

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said that the Ukrainian Constitution needs improvement.

"I see renovated Ukraine as the state with stable political system and I’m ready to propose this formula to the society. This is a strong president, who has practical instruments for coordination, supervision and realization of key issues of reforms and strategic development of the country. This is a competent and politically structured parliament with effective coalition and forceful opposition. This is responsible and professional executive power without immune ministers or administration heads. This is economically potent self-governing bodies, which are responsible to local communities. These are independent and fair courts, which are trustworthy for Ukrainian citizens," he said speaking on the Maidan on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.

The president said that the political system should work as soon as possible.

"So we are to substantially improve the Constitution," he said.

Yanukovych said that Ukrainian democracy passed a hard way over 19 years: romanticism of first years of independence and establishment of state system over the past years. The country passed a populism and irresponsibility exam.

Yanukovych reassured citizens that they would see new Ukraine in the near term.

"You’ll see new Ukraine and you’ll live in this country," he said.