Buquicchio asks Zelensky to provide Venice Commission with adopted text of law on oligarchs

25.09.2021 14:13

Ukrinform

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) Gianni Buquicchio have held a phone conversation at Buquicchio's initiative, the Ukrainian president's press service has reported.

According to the report, Buquicchio noted the adoption in the Verkhovna Rada of the presidential law "On the prevention of threats to national security associated with the excessive influence of persons who have significant economic or political weight in public life (oligarchs)."

Buquicchio also asked Zelensky to provide the Venice Commission with the adopted text of the law in the wording signed by the head of state for consideration and preparation of the relevant opinion.

Zelensky, in turn, thanked Buquicchio "for support and solidarity in the fight against the oligarchic system."

Zelensky and Buquicchio stated the unity of approaches on the need to build the rule of law, democracy and judicial reform in Ukraine.

Zelensky stressed that his approaches to the transformation of the justice system are clear and unambiguous - "no step backward in judicial reform."

"We need to act quickly and decisively, because the people of Ukraine have been waiting for these changes for 30 years," Zelensky said.

Both parties also exchanged views on the bills that are being considered by the Verkhovna Rada and are aimed at improving the constitutional procedure, the procedure for appointing judges of the Constitutional Court, as well as the selection of judges to the Constitutional Court.

Separately, Zelensky and Buquicchio discussed the formation of the Ethics Council, which will check the integrity of candidates for members of the High Council of Justice. They stressed that this process should be completed as soon as possible, and all existing obstacles should be removed.

Buquicchio expressed regret and condolences to Zelensky over the assassination attempt on his first aide, Serhiy Shefir.

The Verkhovna Rada on Thursday, September 23, passed the law ""On the prevention of threats to national security associated with the excessive influence of persons who have significant economic or political weight in public life (oligarchs)." Some 279 MPs voted for the document.