Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has strongly pushed back against the idea that a government cannot be considered reformist unless it changes the constitution, labeling such a notion as "flawed." Speaking during a recent discussion with representatives from various political parties, the Prime Minister highlighted that the question of constitutional reform itself warrants careful re-examination.
"Reform can encompass laws, policies, strategies, and directives," stated Prime Minister Abiy, emphasizing that changing the constitution alone should not be the singular benchmark for measuring progress. He acknowledged the significant transformations Ethiopia has undergone, yet he critiqued the mindset that questions the very nature of change in the absence of constitutional amendments.
"The idea that the government must change the constitution itself is problematic to me," Abiy explained. He clarified that since the current government operates under the existing constitutional framework, the notion of "tearing up the constitution" is, in fact, regressive. He cautioned that while it's technically possible to discard and rewrite the constitution, such an act "would not benefit the Ethiopia we envision." He pointed to numerous African nations that have altered their constitutions without necessarily ushering in genuine reform.
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns about the role of the ruling Prosperity Party, asserting, "Prosperity Party, with its majority vote, can decide and change something; but if we do it without your discussion, without including your ideas, and without including various segments of society, it will not be the constitution of Ethiopia but our constitution." He stressed the critical need for a joint effort to amend the constitution where necessary, and lamented that despite the creation of a platform for such collaborative dialogue, political parties remain hesitant to fully engage. He urged them to participate actively in the national consultation process, assuring that "no issue is off-limits."
"Indeed, There Is Change!" – A Broader Vision of Reform
Prime Minister Abiy underscored that "indeed, there is change!" pointing to a shift from the previous EPRDF government's system of distinguishing between "partner" and "main" parties, a practice the Prosperity Party has abandoned.
He highlighted significant strides in strengthening democratic institutions, citing the newfound independence of bodies like the National Electoral Board and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. He asserted that for any keen observer, this represents a substantial transformation. The Prime Minister affirmed the government's commitment to non-interference, noting, "When the Human Rights Commission issued many reports against us, we said nothing, believing this should be the practice."
Beyond the political sphere, Abiy emphasized that change is overtly evident in the economic and social sectors as well. He contrasted the Prosperity Party's approach with previous regimes, noting that while the Derg and EPRDF dismantled existing structures (including even the Ethiopian army), the current reformist government does not believe in "destroying yesterday to build for today."
Instead, Prime Minister Abiy stated that the current administration champions the idea of improving and preserving positive aspects of the past. He cited ongoing work on the restoration of historical sites as a testament to this philosophy, presenting it as a clear indicator of genuine, holistic reform.