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Ukrainian Parliament: From Political Process to 'Button-Pushing'


Analysis of the Verkhovna Rada's shift from a deliberative body to one that mostly rubber-stamps decisions with little real independence.

Welcome, dear viewers. Today, let's discuss how Ukraine's parliament has evolved recently. In a healthy democracy, factions and the opposition compete, suggest alternatives, argue their positions and take responsibility before society. This competition leads to better decisions, just as competition does in the market.

Unfortunately, the Verkhovna Rada increasingly acts as a mechanism for automatically approving decisions. In recent scandals involving votes on NABU and SAP, MPs often did not discuss the content, instead following the instructions of their party or the president. Some deputies only issued statements after public criticism, revealing a lack of in-depth analysis and political responsibility.

The situation is complicated by the loss of independence in parliament. MPs vote according to party directives, often without reflecting on the consequences, effectively serving as mere 'buttons'. Some attempts at internal discussions or investigations were largely symbolic.

This trend has a negative impact on the quality of politics and reforms. Previous parliamentary convocations showed more independence and competition between factions, driving positive change. Now, parliament is seen by many observers as losing influence and political weight, focusing on mechanically executing decisions.

The issue lies in the absence of genuine feedback from society, diminished political responsibility and a lack of competition. Experience proves that only active participation by diverse political forces and a transparent dialogue with voters secure real parliamentary independence. There is hope that future parliamentary convocations will be more competitive and open to change.