A drama with an optimistic ending: how the Constitution was adopted in Ukraine
Until June 1996, of all the former republics of the USSR, Ukraine remained the only country that used the Soviet constitution. But by that time Ukraine had already been recognized by the world community, had the status of a sovereign state and was a member of major international organizations.
The political transformation of the system led to the emergence of new state structures. The institute of presidency functioned. The first elections to the Verkhovna Rada took place in 1994. But the country's economy was in decline. 7 heads of government have changed over the five years of Ukraine's independence.
Preparations for the adoption of the new Constitution began after the introduction of amendments to the Soviet version (October 1990) and the creation of the Constitutional Commission. For 6 years, various initiative groups and parties have proposed 15 versions of the Constitution.
This has become a stumbling block between incumbent President Leonid Kuchma and the Verkhovna Rada. The head of state sought to obtain as many powers as possible, and the deputies prevented this in every possible way.
The constitutional epic reached its critical point in June 1995. As a result of this, the so-called "non-aggression pact" - the Constitutional Treaty - was signed. Thanks to him, the conflicting parties hoped to reach an agreement. A compromise was not reached immediately. Kuchma signed a decree "On holding an all-Ukrainian referendum on the issue of a new Constitution of Ukraine." But work on the project continued. The final version of the document was prepared by a special working group formed from representatives of 10 factions.
Consideration of the project began on June 19. Some of the articles were already agreed before June 27. But the most debatable points, such as the symbols of the state, the status of the Republic of Crimea, the language and powers of the authorities, were approved only on the night of the adoption of the document.
It was an emotional night, challenging for all involved. The constitutional process was dragged out by the left factions. There were fierce disputes between the deputies. The constitution was adopted literally bit by bit. They voted not only for the adoption of certain articles, but even for individual paragraphs and sentences. Sometimes deputies returned to voting on the same issue up to 10 times.
Shortly before the adoption of the draft, the president appeared in the session hall, whom the deputies greeted with applause. The Constitution of Ukraine was put into effect by the Verkhovna Rada after a day of battles at 9:18. This moment was a solemn culmination that touched everyone present. The melody of Mikhail Verbitsky sounded, which has already received the status of the National Anthem of Ukraine, hugs, tears of joy, pride from the work done before our eyes - independent Ukraine received its Constitution.
See also: Ukrainian photography popularizer Yaroslav Savka
The political transformation of the system led to the emergence of new state structures. The institute of presidency functioned. The first elections to the Verkhovna Rada took place in 1994. But the country's economy was in decline. 7 heads of government have changed over the five years of Ukraine's independence.
Preparations for the adoption of the new Constitution began after the introduction of amendments to the Soviet version (October 1990) and the creation of the Constitutional Commission. For 6 years, various initiative groups and parties have proposed 15 versions of the Constitution.
This has become a stumbling block between incumbent President Leonid Kuchma and the Verkhovna Rada. The head of state sought to obtain as many powers as possible, and the deputies prevented this in every possible way.
Photo © ukrinform.ru
The constitutional epic reached its critical point in June 1995. As a result of this, the so-called "non-aggression pact" - the Constitutional Treaty - was signed. Thanks to him, the conflicting parties hoped to reach an agreement. A compromise was not reached immediately. Kuchma signed a decree "On holding an all-Ukrainian referendum on the issue of a new Constitution of Ukraine." But work on the project continued. The final version of the document was prepared by a special working group formed from representatives of 10 factions.
Consideration of the project began on June 19. Some of the articles were already agreed before June 27. But the most debatable points, such as the symbols of the state, the status of the Republic of Crimea, the language and powers of the authorities, were approved only on the night of the adoption of the document.
It was an emotional night, challenging for all involved. The constitutional process was dragged out by the left factions. There were fierce disputes between the deputies. The constitution was adopted literally bit by bit. They voted not only for the adoption of certain articles, but even for individual paragraphs and sentences. Sometimes deputies returned to voting on the same issue up to 10 times.
Shortly before the adoption of the draft, the president appeared in the session hall, whom the deputies greeted with applause. The Constitution of Ukraine was put into effect by the Verkhovna Rada after a day of battles at 9:18. This moment was a solemn culmination that touched everyone present. The melody of Mikhail Verbitsky sounded, which has already received the status of the National Anthem of Ukraine, hugs, tears of joy, pride from the work done before our eyes - independent Ukraine received its Constitution.
See also: Ukrainian photography popularizer Yaroslav Savka
Photo © ukrinform.ru
Photo © ukrinform.ru
