The reform of decentralization of power introduced five years ago has become fundamental in the process of reorganization of the entire system of public administration and decision-making. That is why it requires protection, first of all at the level of the Constitution. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman on air of the TV channel Pryamy (Direct).

"It is critical for us to protect the decentralization reform. April 1 marked 5 years since I introduced the concept of reform to the Government, and we triggered the implementation of it. Now, 70% of Ukrainians have access to the benefits offered by decentralization. It is important to ensure that all 100% of Ukrainians have a new quality of life. It is a new school, a new road, a new economic foundation of the community", said Volodymyr Groysman. "We must enshrine in the Constitution that this is an essential reform, and it cannot be terminated. If we fail to do this, anyone will have a chance to abolish everything through the usual law. And it's dangerous. But I will stand for the reform. It is one of the key reforms in terms of governance and decision-making."

Volodymyr Groysman added that today we see the process where new managers come to the regional authorities, ready to use effectively new opportunities and new resources - primarily the financial ones. Only in the direction of local budget revenues, their anticipated amount will be UAH 270 billion this year.

"Today those are the means of development. Therefore, you see the communities have roads, lighting, transport, and new squares, parks, gardens, schools. The system has been shaped and will work further. It is critical to complete the process of amalgamation of the communities in 2020, so that everyone had access to the benefits of the reform. This reform has changed the system of governance. Now everything is within the responsibility of the consolidated communities and the mayors. We create conditions for them", summed up the Prime Minister.