In a recent article published by the Ukrainian news outlet “Honesty” (Честно), the record-breaking number of absences by members of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) of the IX convocation was brought to light. The article sheds light on the alarming trend of absenteeism among the country’s lawmakers, with some politicians missing up to 90% of the parliamentary sessions.
The Verkhovna Rada is the highest legislative body in Ukraine, responsible for passing laws and overseeing the work of the government. However, the recent statistics revealed by “Honesty” paint a concerning picture of the Parliament’s productivity. According to the data, out of the 450 members of the Verkhovna Rada, 45 have missed more than half of the sessions, while 10 have missed over 90% of them.
This trend of absenteeism is not new to the Ukrainian Parliament. In fact, the previous convocation also had a high number of absentees, with some lawmakers even being stripped of their mandates due to excessive absences. However, the current convocation has broken all records, with some politicians surpassing their predecessors in terms of absenteeism.
The article by “Honesty” highlights the negative impact of this trend on the country’s political landscape. With a significant number of lawmakers missing from crucial discussions and voting, the decision-making process is hindered, and important issues are left unresolved. This not only affects the functioning of the Parliament but also undermines the trust of the citizens in their elected representatives.
Moreover, the article also raises questions about the accountability of the absent lawmakers. According to the Ukrainian legislation, members of the Verkhovna Rada can only be absent from sessions with a valid reason, such as illness or official business. However, the data presented by “Honesty” suggests that many of the absences were unjustified, with some politicians even being spotted on vacation during the parliamentary sessions.
The article also sheds light on the financial implications of this trend. Each session of the Verkhovna Rada costs the taxpayers approximately 1.5 million hryvnias (around $55,000). With a high number of absentees, the country’s budget is being wasted on unproductive sessions, further adding to the economic burden of the citizens.
In response to the article, some lawmakers have defended their absences, citing the demanding nature of their work and the need for rest. However, this justification has been met with criticism from the public, who see it as a lack of commitment and responsibility towards their duties.
The article by “Honesty” has sparked a much-needed discussion about the issue of absenteeism in the Verkhovna Rada. It has also prompted calls for stricter measures to hold the lawmakers accountable for their absences. Some have suggested implementing fines for excessive absences, while others have called for a review of the current legislation to ensure stricter enforcement.
In conclusion, the article by “Honesty” has shed light on a concerning trend in the Ukrainian Parliament and has sparked a much-needed conversation about the issue. It serves as a reminder to the lawmakers that they have a responsibility towards their constituents and the country, and their absences have a direct impact on the functioning of the government and the well-being of the citizens. It is hoped that this article will serve as a wake-up call for the absentees and lead to positive changes in the future.
