The hearings on the constitutional reform started on September 23 upon an inquiry that was submitted by 252 Ukrainian MPs on July 14 this year. The Constitutional process has never been a smooth one throughout Ukrainian history.
The initial version of 1996 Constitution was approved after 5 years of a vibrant nation-wide discussion. The amendments of 2004 Constitution were adopted amidst a deep political crisis and were aimed at achieving a political compromise between the two rivaling camps.
The new decision thus reestablishes presidential-parliamentary republic in the country, increasing the President's powers by giving him a right to appoint and dismiss Head of Government, all Ministers and the Heads of a number of other executive power institutions.
It is worth mentioning, that according to the Constitutional amendments which were in force until today, the Parliamentary majority had a right to form the Government and put forward the candidacy of the Prime Minister to the President.
For a short history of Ukraine's constitutional process, please visit: http://wnu-ukraine.com/files/constitutional_court.pdf
Source: Worldwide News Ukraine
