On 13 July, the Verkhovna Rada adopted in the second reading and in general a new version of the bill On the Constitutional Court.
The bill garnered the support of 245 deputies with the minimal necessary 226, including the representatives of the opposition who usually do not vote for the government-sponsored bills.
The debates were accompanied by the blocking of the rostrum.
This draft law, drafted by the Presidential Administration provides for a change in the structure, the powers of the CC and sets forth a procedure for reviewing constitutional complaints.
It also sets forth a competitive procedure for the selection of candidates for the posts of constitutional judges.
According to the bill, the Constitutional Court will act in the composition of six colleges, two senates and the Grand Chamber. In addition, the court will have the right to issue interlocutory injunction to suspend any legislative norm, the constitutionality of which is disputed.
The bill sets forth responsibility for non-fulfilment of decisions of the Constitutional Court.
In order to provide expert assistance in constitutional processes on constitutional complaints in the Constitutional Court, it is proposed to temporarily, for a period up to January 1, 2020, introduce the institution of a special adviser, which may be a competent foreigner in this matter, but not a citizen of Russia. The activities of the special adviser will be provided through international technical assistance or international organizations.
The bill significantly increases salaries and pensions of the judges of the Constitutional Court