Mayor’s Statement on the Controversial Gathering
Oleh Omelyan, the mayor of Kamianka-Buzka, has publicly addressed an incident that unfolded on June 5 inside the city council’s session hall, where municipal staff gathered to celebrate an unspecified event. The celebration was streamed live on YouTube via the council’s official channel, but the video was later taken down after it circulated on local Telegram groups. Omelyan admitted he was aware in advance that employees had informed him of their plans to hold the gathering, though he did not specify what they were celebrating.
In his remarks, the mayor formally accepted responsibility for the staff’s inappropriate conduct, stating that they should not have organized such a banquet during working hours. The live broadcast was initially posted on the institution’s official YouTube page but was removed once it gained traction in local media and social networks.
'Unfortunately, local government is now being blamed for everything. We can’t go anywhere because we’re seen as local officials. When there are military funerals—and sadly, there are—only local government representatives show up; everyone else is busy. People just wanted to have a modest pizza lunch during their break and celebrate something, and now they’re being treated like criminals. They must have nothing else to write about. We are looking into the matter, and we feel embarrassed,' Omelyan commented on the situation.
Ethics and Security Concerns
Omelyan emphasized that this was the first time such a celebration had occurred during a lunch break this year. 'It just happened. It’s unpleasant, and we have drawn our conclusions to prevent it from happening again. And it hadn’t happened before—this was the first time this year during lunch,' he added. The mayor explained that employees had approached him asking permission to organize a small get-together to 'eat some pizza.'
The incident has sparked widespread discussion in local media and among residents. Meanwhile, in a separate development, the city has been shaken by the arrest of a 33-year-old man who allegedly strangled an acquaintance using handcuffs. The suspect, originally from Chernivtsi, had recently relocated to the capital. Tensions remain high in the community as the public grapples with both the council staff’s behavior and serious criminal cases.
This controversy highlights the critical need for ethical conduct and professionalism within local government bodies, particularly at a time when society faces significant challenges. Additionally, the murder case adds to the city’s uneasy atmosphere, underscoring the importance of local authorities not only addressing incidents swiftly but also actively ensuring public safety and upholding the rule of law. Examining these events reveals how essential it is to maintain citizens’ trust in their government during difficult periods.
This incident in Kamianka-Buzka raises important questions about ethical conduct within local governments, especially in light of recent events involving other officials. For instance, a mayor in the Odesa region was arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of public servants. Such cases underscore the need for accountability and transparency in municipal operations. To read more about this alarming situation, click here.