Judicial reform is unblocked: Council of Judges nominates experts to Ethics Council
On Oct. 23, the members of the Council of Judges has nominated candidates to the Ethics Council, which will clean up the High Council of Justice. Although the nominated candidates lack excellent reputation and integrity, this is an important step to move forward with the implementation of judicial reform. For almost two months, the Council of Judges refused to choose candidates and effectively blocked the process.
President’s attempt to pick CCU judges threatens legitimacy of the court
On October 22, the Commission formed by President Volodymyr Zelensky recommended seven candidates to the positions of the Constitutional Court judges. However, this selection procedure is illegal as currently there are no vacant positions in the CCU under the President’s quota. Thus, if Zelenskyi appoints judges now, he will delegitimize the CCU as any decision made by these judges will be called into question.
CSOs call to restore political party financial reporting
On March 30, 2020, parliament exempted political parties from the obligation to submit financial reports to the National Association for Corruption Prevention until the end of the quarantine measures introduced by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. The CSOs call on 1) Parliament to restore political party financial reporting and 2) political parties to submit their reports for the missed period.
National medical procurement agency marks 3rd anniversary
State Enterprise “Medical Procurement of Ukraine” is the only national agency that ensures centralized procurement of quality medicines and medical devices for the state funds. In 3 years of its work, the agency became a strong, professional, and independent institution. From June 2020 to mid-October 2021, it saved more than 4.5 billion UAH during public procurements.
