Ukraine and Moldova looking for solutions to constitutional stalemate

The provisions of Pylyp Orlyk’s Constitution, adopted 300 years ago, remain topical both for Ukraine and Moldova, which are in search of solutions to the problems appearing in the constitutional and democratic processes. This was one of the conclusions shared by the participants in the roundtable themed “The role and significance of Pylyp Orlyk’s Constitution in the establishment of democratic institutions in Eastern Europe”, which was hosted on Friday by the Ukrainian Embassy in Chisinau, Info-Prim Neo reports. After an introduction into the history of the adoption of Ukraine’s first constitution in 1710 on Moldovan soil, in Tighina, by the Ukrainian Hetman Pylyp Orlyk, the participants in the roundtable meeting discussed topical issues related to Moldova’s and Ukraine’s fundamental laws. Mykola Tomenko, the Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Supreme Rada, said the fundamental law must bring the leadership of the country closer to the people, like Pylyp Orlyk did 300 years ago. The Ukrainian official also spoke about the problems facing the authorities in Kiev in a constitutional dimension. Serafim Urecheanu, the Deputy Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament, remarked that because of some flaws in the Moldovan Constitution, in particular concerning the election of the country’s president, snap elections were called three times in the last 10 years in Moldova. “Our constitutions should be modern and it’s our duty to work on their improvement every single day”, declared Serafim Urecheanu. Democrat MP Aurel Baiesu, who is also a constitutional law expert, said the political crisis in Moldova was triggered by constitutional shortcomings. He suggested that the country has to choose between two options: either have a new Constitution adopted or amend Art.78 of the supreme law, which governs the election of the president. “In the Democratic Party’s view, it is necessary to amend Art.78. We don’t want to abandon the idea of changing the constitution, but this is a process that could take quite a long time”, said Baiesu. Attending the roundtable meeting, Constitutional Court President Dumitru Pulbere has said the Constitution is a ‘living law’ that can adapt itself to the requirements of the times.