19:00, 9 October 2020 – 112 UA

President does not bear legal responsibility for communicating in another language outside the exercise of his powers.

The Supreme Court recognized that the President of Ukraine is obliged to communicate in the state language while on duty. However, the president does not bear legal responsibility for communicating in another language outside the exercise of his powers, the press service of the Supreme Court reports.

“The Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court pointed out that while on duty, the President of Ukraine is obliged to communicate in the state language,” the message says.

The court considered a lawsuit in which the communication of President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 23, 2019 at the iForum-2019 in a non-state language was asked to be declared illegal and obliged to refrain from communicating in a non-state language while exercising his powers.

The court rejected the claim in full, but pointed out that while on duty, the President of Ukraine is obliged to communicate in the state language.

“At the same time, for actions committed in the framework of political activity, and not during the exercise of his powers, the president bears political, not legal responsibility. Taking into account the above, the court closed the proceedings, since the claims made by the plaintiff are not subject to consideration in administrative proceedings,” the press service of the Supreme Court reports.