Razumkov faces revolt from parliamentary majority

The Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna
Rada initiated the process of removing Rada Speaker Dmytro Razumkov from his
position, Razumkov and faction leader David Arahamiya stated separately on
Sept. 30. Signature sheets, by which the MPs will register their support for
his dismissal, would be available on the Sept. 30, Razumkov stated on Facebook.

The issue of Razumkov’s dismissal from the position is
likely to feature in the faction’s meeting in Truskavets on Oct. 1-2. Razumkov
was not invited to it.

The speaker’s political ambitions and independence
from president Volodymyr Zelensky have been a known issue since the beginning
of the year. Pravda.com.ua reported in February that Zelensky would prefer to
have vice speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk in the position instead. Zelensky stated on
Sept. 30 that he is not behind the revolt. However, Razumkov has stated that
Arahamiya was just doing his job.

James Hydzik: The
immediate impetus for the revolt was Razumkov’s lack of support for the
anti-oligarch bill that the Verkhovna Rada just passed. Razumkov made it clear
that the bill was under-considered, due process was not followed and that parts
of the legislative package were missing. Calls for his dismissal were sounded
almost immediately.

Infighting and power struggles are features of
politics the world over. However, the manner in which this process is being
played out, with both Arahamiya and Zelensky claiming to not be the impetus,
adds a tinge of farce, and with it, distraction.

Razumkov has vowed not to leave politics even if
he’s removed from the position. With the anti-oligarch bill now before the
Venice Commission and likely to prove an embarrassment to those who fostered
it, Razumkov could find it a kernel for gathering to himself those who
understand processes and institutions. If he doesn’t disappear (and finds a
backer), Zelensky could find himself dealing with an opposition which knows him
from the inside.