Party of Regions says 2004 constitution reinstatement needs to be discussed at Rada
Reinstatement of the 2004 constitution should be discussed at the upcoming session of the Verkhovna Rada in order to avoid federalization of the country, Party of Regions deputy Yevhen Balytsky said.
"It seems the issue [constitutional amendments] may be put on the agenda of the next session tomorrow," he said in a program aired by Channel 5 on Tuesday evening.
The Verkhovna Rada will be unable to vote for constitutional amendments on January 29 but it may add the issue to the agenda of its next session, he said.
"We have to pass the 2004 constitution now so that we could save the country and avoid federalization. In this case the center of gravity will move to the parliament (…) I will support that [idea] at the faction," he said.
As to how many members of the Party of Regions faction were prepared to vote for reinstatement of the 2004 constitution, Balytsky said: "It is extremely difficult to give prognoses but I think I would not be mistaken to say it will be over 30%. At least these are [the deputies] I have spoken with, I know, I am confident about."
"In this case the authorities will save face and the opposition and the people will get a more democratic administration," the Party of Regions deputy said.
A special session of the Verkhovna Rada opened on January 28. It will continue on Wednesday. Consistent with the schedule, the parliament will begin its next session on February 4.