"We are entering a crucial stage in the development of the state - amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine that will strengthen local self-government," Vice Prime Minister - Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities of Ukraine Hennadii Zubko said in the program "Freedom of speech "on ICTV channel.

"I am surprised when someone says the President endeavours to usurp power via these changes. For the first time, we are able to give power to the regions, to resolve this issue means to take authority and receive functions," the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine emphasized.

Hennadii Zubko said that President of the Venice Commission Gianni Buquicchio also urged Ukraine to amend the Constitution in terms of decentralization.

"We have a historic chance to become an equal partner of the European family. I call on everyone to put aside politics. I want to encourage politicians to take the state’s position without thinking about their place after the reform, and to see the country," the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine said.

The official reminded that Ukraine had joined the European Charter of Local Self-Government 17 years ago, "but all this time there were just words about to whom transfer this power - whether from the President to the Parliament, or vice virsa."

"For the first time, it’s currently about the transfer of power to the local level - where decisions are being made, where there is responsibility and where it’s possible to change the quality of life," he stressed.

Hennadii Zubko noted that the main goal is not decentralization itself but regional development: "It will allow Ukrainians to decide on the ground which investor to attract, what and where to build, how to spend the budget, how to hire an effective manager that will be engage in local issues."