The Committee is willing to take a direct part in the review and revision of draft laws that are being developed by the Ministry of Regional Development for implementing the President’s program of decentralization of authority. That was stated by David Zhvaniya, Chairman of the Committee on State Building and Local Government, during a round table (according to his press service). 

In particular, he said that the Committee is expecting its partners to present new statutory wording of the laws "On bodies of self-organization of population (BSP)", "On general meetings (conferences) of members of a territorial community based on place of residence", "On Amending the Law of Ukraine "On Local Self-Government in Ukraine", "On local initiatives", "On public hearings". 

"As soon as the bills get to the Parliament, the Committee – as a special-purpose structure of the Verkhovna Rada – will consider them with a wide participation of experts and professional associations," - said David Zhvaniya. At the same time he mentioned that the Presidential Administration has to become the driving force behind the reform of decentralization of authority. "There is no need to delegate these authorities to the Cabinet of Ministers. The reform provides for delegating the authority to the local level, and it is sometimes difficult for officials to go beyond management stereotypes," - said Zhvaniya. The politician also pointed out that the Working Group continues to work within the Committee, which is aimed at preparation of the Draft Law of Ukraine on Local Referendum (No. 0867) for the second reading. 

"I hope that very soon the text of the bill will be ready for discussions," - added the politician. In addition, he informed that the draft law on making amendments in some laws on public participation in the formulation and implementation of the public policy as well as in addressing local issues (No. 0866) is being prepared for consideration in the second reading. "Members of territorial (local) communities can and should participate in management of local affairs. It is the local level where most current issues should be solved, including those related to education, medical care and cultural life. Our job – as members of the Committee – is to create all opportunities for that at the legislative level,"- said the MP. 

Press office of David Zhvaniya