5 October 2021
The Verkhovna Rada voted on Oct. 5 to suspend speaker
Dmytro Razumkov from his duties for two days. The proposal, which alleges “gross
violation of regulations” on Razumkov’s part, was supported by 240 MPs,
pravda.com.ua reports. The proposal needed 226 votes to pass.
The suspension came after MPs initiated the procedure
on Oct. 4 of removing Razumkov from the speaker’s position. Razumkov stated on
Oct. 4 that while he’s speaker, he would be removed in accordance with
parliamentary procedure.
James Hydzik: Razumkov’s
detractors in the Rada smell blood, but can they be patient enough to remove
him without leaving themselves open to legal action due to ignoring
parliamentary procedure? He has made it clear that he will abide by the rules,
even when it comes to removing himself. This indicates an ability to use the
system against itself and those removing him need to act more carefully than
they have recently if they want this story to end quietly.