Rada without votes: Parliament again failed key decisions and prematurely ended the session

The Verkhovna Rada in February effectively completed its plenary work without adopting important legislative bills for the government. Despite the presence of deputies in the hall, the parliament again lacked votes even for fundamental decisions. This was stated by People’s Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak.

According to Zheleznyak, the last plenary days of February went without productive voting, although a full working day was planned for February 25.

Verkhovna Rada voting: why legislative bills are failing

One of the key issues was supposed to be the vote on the taxation of digital platforms, which is a requirement of the IMF and the European Union. The bill was considered critically important for the government.

However, it was already clear in the morning that there was no necessary support. The document was even removed from the agenda since factions could not ensure votes.

Among the reasons for the situation are falling voting discipline within the monoband and lack of stable support for government initiatives.

During the sessions, deputies could only support technical or non-conflict decisions.

Among the notable moments of the plenary day:

• failure of the vote on the bill regarding UAV registers

• inability to even postpone the document without the risk of its rejection

• premature closure of the session by the Speaker of Parliament.

Parliamentary crisis: risks for the budget and international aid

The next session of the Verkhovna Rada is scheduled only for March 10. This creates risks of failing Ukraine's obligations to international partners.

According to Zheleznyak, unmet reforms may lead to a loss of funding under Ukraine Facility programs and other international mechanisms. Part of the funds tied to deadlines in the first quarter have already been effectively lost.

The deputy also noted that the link between the president's decisions and voting in parliament no longer works, and the government will have to look for new political mechanisms to consolidate the majority.

Earlier, Yaroslav Zheleznyak stated that despite a new wave of discussions about possible elections, there is currently no prepared legislative base for their holding in parliament.