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Zelensky announces dissolution of Ukrainian parliament

The Ukrainian president announced early parliamentary elections in the country within two months
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky
© REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

KIEV, May 20. / TASS / Newly sworn-in Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announces the dissolution of the Ukrainian parliament (Verkhovna Rada) and announced early parliamentary elections in the country within two months, said he in his address on Monday.

"I dissolve the 8th Verkhovna Rada," he said in his first address to the Ukrainian people, which he made in the Rada hall right after taking oath.

At the same time, Vladimir Zelensky called on the deputies to adopt a number of important laws during the two remaining months before the end of their term of office, in particular, to abolish parliamentarian immunity.

"I ask you to adopt a law on the abolition of parliamentary immunity, a law on criminal liability for illegal enrichment, the longtime suffering electoral code," Zelensky called on the deputies. He said he also insists on open election lists for the Rada elections.

President Zelensky also called on the deputies to dismiss Ukrainian Security Service, Prosecutor General, and Minister of Defense. "You have two months to do this. Do it and give yourselves medals...These are not bad points for early parliamentary elections. Zelensky also addressed the members of the current government, saying that the time has come for them to "take paper and pen to make room for future generations."

According to the Ukrainian Constitution, special elections to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine are appointed by the president and are held within sixty days from the date of publication of the decision on the early termination of the powers of parliament.