Controversy and contradictions: How Verkhovna Rada refused to suspend MPs amid session hall conflicts
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is currently embroiled in discussions regarding disciplinary measures against certain deputies, notably Mariyana Bezuhla and Oleksiy Honcharenko, following incidents during parliamentary sessions.
While some colleagues urged for their removal from the hall, the Committee on Regulations, Ethics, and Organization of Work of the Parliament decided against supporting these initiatives.
Deputy Yaroslav Zelensky, who proposed suspending Bezuhla due to her alleged ‘antisocial behavior,’ stated that the voting process resulted in insufficient votes for a decision.
Meanwhile, a proposal to suspend Honcharenko was supported by members citing his conflicts and inappropriate language during sessions.
Despite these debates, no sanctions or formal reprimands were enacted.
It is also noteworthy that Bezuhla’s exclusion from the Defense and National Security Committee was a long-standing issue, with her reassignment to the Foreign Affairs Committee happening only after several failed attempts.
Currently, Ukrainian parliamentarians continue to grapple with maintaining discipline within the session hall and ensuring proper ethical standards during debates.
This situation highlights the delicate balance between adhering to procedural rules, respecting colleagues’ rights, and allowing free expression in legislative proceedings.
The cases of Bezuhla and Honcharenko vividly illustrate the complexities faced by Ukraine’s parliament in upholding order and responsibility today.