You're reading: Kuchma: Ukraine should have parliamentary-presidential form of government

The second President of Ukraine (1994-2004), Leonid Kuchma, has said he is against the previous wording of the Constitution of Ukraine, and is a supporter of the parliamentary-presidential form of government.

"It’s a pity, but this always happens. When a new political force comes to power, it tries to alter everything for itself, starting with laws, and then getting big ideas about [amending] the Constitution as well," Kuchma told reporters in Simferopol on Tuesday.

"I was and I am a supporter of the parliamentary-presidential form of government… I am afraid that some day a completely unsuitable person will become president with unlimited authorities. What will happen then?" he said.

He noted that in almost all European countries there is a parliamentary-presidential form of government.

"I believe that the Ukrainian mentality really is European," Kuchma said.