Changes to legislation and powers of prefects are a matter of public debate. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal from the rostrum of the Verkhovna Rada during A Question Time for the Government.

"We have embarked on a broad public debate regarding what changes to the legislation should be made, prefect powers and how the levels of governance by local governments and state authorities should be differentiated," accentuated Denys Shmyhal.

Moreover, the Prime Minister added that the discussion concerned not only the prefect's powers but also the title of the Institution.

“We also have a democratic approach when talking about the title of prefect’s institution. The discussion as to the powers is underway as well. Therefore, the law like the sealed book doesn’t exist. This is the question under discussion,” the Head of Government concluded.