The Verkhovna Rada has sent back for revision to committees, for consideration at second reading, a bill that expands the powers of the National Security and Defense Council and its secretary.
A total of 302 MPs voted for the decision.
Earlier, lawmakers failed to support amendments to the law on the National Security and Defense Council on improving coordination and control in national security and defense.
Only 223 MPs voted for the adoption of the respective bill at second reading, whereas adoption required at least 226 votes.
MPs from the Batkivschyna, Radical Party and Samopomich factions said that the bill contradicted the Constitution of Ukraine and unnecessarily expanded the powers of the National Security and Defense Council and its secretary.
“These changes have nothing to do with the strengthening of security and defense. The issue concerns only the provision of additional powers,” Batkivschyna MP Ivan Krulko said.
The head of the parliament’s committee on national security and defense, Serhiy Pashynsky, said in turn that there was no intrigue and that all changes were being made within the law.
“There’s no intrigue concerning the usurpation of power. All is being done in line with the constitution and the law. This is a coordinating body between intelligence, the National Guard, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other law enforcement agencies on security and defense issues,” he said.
As reported, on Dec. 11, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported at first reading the bill amending the law on the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, which would expand the powers of the body, in particular, the council may decide “on the declaration of a state of war.”
Under the bill, it is proposed that the article on the legal principles of activity of the National Security and Defense Council include a provision that the council approves the parameters of its work, which, along with the law on the National Security and Defense Council, would determine the priorities of the National Security and Defense Council.
The bill proposes making the National Security and Defense Council responsible for coordination and control over the activities of the authorities in combating corruption, ensuring public security and fighting crime.
