MPs of the Ukrainian opposition on Tuesday blocked the vote on the dismissal of the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Energy, who are involved in a large-scale corruption scandal in the energy sector. The opposition demands the resignation of the entire government cabinet instead of their dismissal.
Deputies from the Ukrainian opposition party European Solidarity of former President Petro Poroshenko prevented a vote on the dismissal of Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynčuková on Tuesday. Both are involved in a large-scale corruption scandal in the energy sector, and the opposition demands the resignation of the entire government of Prime Minister Julija Svyrydenko. TASR informs about it according to the Reuters agency.
- Opposition MPs blocked the vote on the dismissal of government ministers.
- The ministers are suspected of being involved in a corruption scandal.
- President Zelensky proposed their removal from office.
- The parliamentary session was subsequently interrupted by the chairman.
Corruption scandal
Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities found that a vast criminal network influenced strategic state-owned enterprises, including the state-run nuclear company Enerhoatom, and its members laundered approximately $100 million in bribes. The main suspect in the case is Timur Mindič, a friend and former business partner of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In response, the Ukrainian president suggested dismissing Hrynčuková and Halushchenko, who in the past also headed the energy department. However, the opposition MPs physically prevented the vote on their removal from office by blocking the lectern and instead demand the departure of the entire government cabinet.
Hetmancev: While some thieves are running away and hiding, others are acting out
The speaker of the parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, interrupted the meeting, and according to one of the opposition MPs, the vote should take place on Wednesday.
Deputies of the Zelenské Servant of the Nation party accused opposition politicians of blocking the activities of the legislature. “While some thieves are running away and hiding, others – populist politicians – are playing a show,” said Danylo Hetmancev, a member of the ruling party.
