Petition Against the Civil Code Draft Gains Rapid Momentum
In less than 24 hours, a petition addressed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy opposing Draft Civil Code No. 15150 collected over 25,000 signatures. This surge reflects widespread public concern and intense interest in the proposed legal overhaul. For context, the current Civil Code has been in force for 22 years, and legal professionals warn that such a major rewrite demands far more scrutiny. Parliamentary Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, who himself unsuccessfully sought a position on the Supreme Court’s Civil Cassation Court, has dismissed the criticism as unfounded myths.
Experts Raise Red Flags
Judge Viktor Prorok, spokesperson for the Supreme Court’s Civil Cassation Court, has sharply criticized the draft. He highlighted risks to public property and established judicial practice, and pointed out the unreasonably short public comment period—just three weeks for an 803-page document. Prorok warned that
“Re-codifying the Napoleonic Code in three weeks could have triggered legal chaos in France” — Viktor Prorok
After the current Civil Code was adopted 22 years ago, it took the judiciary 5–6 years to develop a coherent interpretation. According to Prorok, the new draft raises fundamental questions, such as whether a person could legally claim ownership of a riverbank or a nature reserve in good faith.
In early April, the 15th International Civil Law Forum brought together experts to debate pressing civil law issues. The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine has already recommended removing Book Nine of the draft Civil Code. As debate intensifies, the public awaits the government’s next moves.
The overwhelming petition response, combined with sharp criticism from legal professionals, signals deep societal unease over the proposed reforms. This situation calls into question not only the draft itself but also the state’s willingness to incorporate expert and public input into legal reform. The authorities’ upcoming decisions could significantly shape trust in Ukraine’s judiciary and legal enforcement.
As the debate surrounding the proposed Civil Code continues to heat up, the rapid accumulation of signatures on the petition reflects a growing unease among the public. For those interested in understanding the full implications of this legal reform, a recent article details how the petition has gathered significant support, surpassing 25,000 signatures in just one day. This development highlights the urgent need for thorough discussion and assessment of the draft's potential impact on civil rights and property laws. To delve deeper into this unfolding situation, read more about the petition and its implications for Ukrainian law.