Ukraine Today - An Independent Political Review

Finland has one of the  most modern and democratic Constitutions in Europe.  It is a state worthy of consideration by Ukraine.  Finland along with its Scandinavian neighbours played a significant role in the development of Estonia and Latvia both of which are successful EU member states Source: Kyiv Post The embassy of Finland and International Centre for Policy Studies in Kyiv present Finland: A country of only five million people with a strange language, notorious drinking binges and folk songs that are mostly in a minor key. But it’s also a highly successful country of considerable creativity and innovation—not all of it related to cell phones. On Nov. 28, “100 Innovations from Finland” was presented in Kyiv by its author, Ilkka Taipale—a politician, doctor, activist, pacifist and an icon of Finnish social policy—and professor Vappu Taipale, a renowned physician and CEO of the Finnish National Research and Development Center for Welfare and Health—STAK...

As Ukraine begins its fifth review of its Constitution it is worth taking a look at Finland's Constitution adopted in 1999. Finland is a good example of an European Parliamentary democracy. both Countries border Russia and other EU states and Finland' s constitution would make a good model for Ukraine to consider. If Ukraine sincerely wishes to be integrated and possible become a full member of then European Union then it must look to Europe and not the United States for its constitutional governance. Most, if not all, the political crisis and struggles facing Ukraine have been as a direct result of the ongoing power struggle between the Office of the President and the elected Parliament. Ukraine has only been a democracy for less then two years, and none months of that time was suspended as a result of the President's action designed to undermined Ukraine's democratic development. The parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in April 21007 recommended that Ukra...

NB: Unofficial translation Source: Ministry of Justice, Finland The Constitution of Finland 11 June 1999 (731/1999) Chapter 1 - Fundamental provisions Section 1 - The Constitution Finland is a sovereign republic. The constitution of Finland is established in this constitutional act. The constitution shall guarantee the inviolability of human dignity and the freedom and rights of the individual and promote justice in society. Finland participates in international co-operation for the protection of peace and human rights and for the development of society. Section 2 - Democracy and the rule of law The powers of the State in Finland are vested in the people, who are represented by the Parliament. Democracy entails the right of the individual to participate in and influence the development of society and his or her living conditions. The exercise of public powers shall be based on an Act. In all public activity, the law shall be strictly observed. Section 3 - Parliamentarism and the separa...