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The signatories of the letter urged Razumkov to consider other options to resolve the constitutional crisis. Image Credit Flickr
The Council of Europe warned the president of the Verkhovna Rada, Dmitry Razumkov, that the approval of the bill by President Volodymyr Zelensky on the termination of the powers of the judges of the Constitutional Court (CC) would be a “flagrant violation” of the fundamental law.
This is stated in a letter from the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Maria Peichinovich Buric, and the President of the Venice Commission, Gianni Buquicchio, to the President of Parliament, reports Interfax-Ukraine.
“The termination of the powers of the judges is a flagrant violation of the Constitution and the fundamental principle of separation of powers. The violation of the Constitution, even for good reason, cannot lead to a culture of constitutionalism and respect for the rule of law aimed at fighting corruption. We understand that you face a very serious task, and do not underestimate the need for timely, firm and determined action. However, we urge you to consider the adverse, profound and long-term consequences for your country from a possible hasty decision to remove constitutional judges, ”the statement said.
The letter’s authors urged Razumkov “to explore possible alternative ways to ensure that the fight against corruption in accordance with international standards remains a priority for his country.”
“GRECO (Group of European Anti-Corruption Countries) will continue to monitor Ukraine’s compliance with international anti-corruption standards. The Venice Commission and the Council of Europe are prepared, urgently, but with due time, to perform a thorough analysis of the various options, to help you develop concrete solutions to address current problem situations, “the letter says.
Let us remember that on Tuesday, October 27, the Constitutional Court ruled on the incompatibility with the Constitution of the provisions of the Law “Prevention of Corruption.”
In this regard, on October 29, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, submitted a bill to the Verkhovna Rada on the deprivation of power of all judges of the Constitutional Court.
In turn, the European Solidarity party declared that it would not vote for the head of state’s initiative, and the Batkivshchyna leader called Zelensky’s idea ridiculous and absurd. Representatives of Golos and the Opposition Platform – For Life have a similar opinion.
The Venice Commission opposed the violation of the Constitution by solving the problem with the Constitutional Court of Ukraine (CC), which arose after the illegal provisions of the anti-corruption legislation.
