Razumkov creates interfactional association in Rada

Former Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov
published on Nov. 8 a list of 23 MPs who will join him in an inter-factional
parliamentary association. The association, called “Smart People”, plays on
Razumkov’s name. Of the 23, 21 MPs are members of the presidential Servant of
the People faction, and two are from the Fatherland faction.

Razumkov also stated on Nov. 8 that an emerging attempt
to deprive him of his parliamentary seat was groundless, as he was first in the
party list at the 2019 elections. He vowed to fight any attempt to strip him of
his mandate.

James Hydzik: Razumkov is emerging as a more popular politician than he was as Rada
Speaker. Forming the association is vital, as he needs to show his political as
well as popular support. The question still remains, however, as to how he will
fund his endeavors.