Parliament Sans Oligarchs: A Remarkable Shift in Ukrainian Politics
Date: 2023-11-24 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: POLICY
In a recent interview with "Moseychuk+," David Arakhamiya emphasized the absence of oligarchs in the current parliament, attributing this shift to a decline from approximately 30% to virtually 1% since the beginning of the conflict. When asked about the influence of prominent figures like Akhmetov, Kolomoisky, and Firtash, Arakhamiya dismissed their presence in the current political landscape.
Responding to the mention of Petro Poroshenko as a parliamentarian, Arakhamiya clarified that if Poroshenko is considered an oligarch, he holds considerable political sway. However, he asserted that, in the broader context, there are no other individuals with similar influence in the parliament.
In November 2021, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the law "On Preventing Threats to National Security Related to Excessive Influence of Persons with Significant Economic or Political Weight in Social Life (Oligarchs)." This legislation establishes legal frameworks to separate large businesses from political battles and mitigate the destructive impact of privileged (oligarchic) interests on Ukraine's economic life. It also sets criteria for defining oligarchs and imposes transparency requirements on the interactions between political figures and oligarchs or their representatives.
Responding to the mention of Petro Poroshenko as a parliamentarian, Arakhamiya clarified that if Poroshenko is considered an oligarch, he holds considerable political sway. However, he asserted that, in the broader context, there are no other individuals with similar influence in the parliament.
In November 2021, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the law "On Preventing Threats to National Security Related to Excessive Influence of Persons with Significant Economic or Political Weight in Social Life (Oligarchs)." This legislation establishes legal frameworks to separate large businesses from political battles and mitigate the destructive impact of privileged (oligarchic) interests on Ukraine's economic life. It also sets criteria for defining oligarchs and imposes transparency requirements on the interactions between political figures and oligarchs or their representatives.
On June 29, 2022, President Zelensky implemented the National Security and Defense Council's decision on the oligarch registry, signing a corresponding decree that outlines the procedures for its formation and maintenance.
