The new plenary week of the Verkhovna Rada begins against the backdrop of failed votes for several important draft laws and after the completion of the IMF mission in Ukraine. Member of Parliament Yaroslav Zheleznyak believes that the parliament retains signs of a systemic crisis, which may complicate the fulfillment of international obligations and the reception of future funding.
What Decisions Does the Verkhovna Rada Plan to Consider
According to Zheleznyak, one of the key issues of the plenary week from June 9-11 will be the draft law on digital platforms, which is on the list of obligations to the IMF.
The deputy noted that after finalization, the document provides for a preferential tax regime for individuals working through digital platforms. He predicts that the draft law has a high chance of being adopted in the second reading.
In addition, the parliament will consider changes to the state budget, which envisage additional funding for defense needs.
Budget Changes Have Caused Controversy
Zheleznyak criticized certain provisions of the budget changes, stating that the proposed increase in funding for the army is insufficient. According to him, he and other deputies submitted hundreds of amendments, but most of them may be rejected.
The deputy also pointed out the discussions around the redistribution of funds among various state programs and agencies.
In his opinion, the budget adoption process may be prolonged due to the large number of amendments and lengthy discussions in the session hall.
Zheleznyak Announced a Parliamentary Crisis
Assessing the work of the Verkhovna Rada, the deputy stated that issues with the efficiency of decision-making remain unresolved even after President Volodymyr Zelensky's meetings with representatives of parliamentary factions.
Zheleznyak compared the parliament's work to a mechanism capable only of handling simple tasks but unable to quickly adopt complex and large-scale decisions necessary for fulfilling international obligations.
According to him, delays in considering important draft laws may create additional risks for cooperation with the IMF, the Ukraine Facility program, and other international partners of Ukraine.
Also, Yaroslav Zheleznyak criticized the government's new economic initiatives, stating that within just one week, the authorities announced programs totaling about 40 billion UAH.