Political analysts claim that President Yushchenko’s initiative to repeal parliamentary immunity arose from the negative attitude of the majority of Ukrainians towards it and upcoming parliamentary elections.
Political analyst Vadym Karasyov remarked that Mr. Yushchenko had presented the initiative at a June 20 broadcast having exploited a very popular election slogan.
At the same time, the President’s appeal will have more far-reaching political consequences: repeal of parliamentary immunity may discourage some businessmen from seeking parliamentary mandates.
“After repeal of parliamentary immunity, a deputy mandate will no longer be a long-cherished dream,” added Mr. Karasyov. It will be the first step for separation of business from power.
One more reason for repealing deputy immunity is that politicians take refuge in it trying to forcibly resolve their problems.
Recent events at the Prosecutor General’s Office when Party of Regions members beat the State-Owned Guard and Protection Service’s officers clearly exhibited show of force by the national deputies.
In turn, political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko believes that the President’s position represents public opinion although he does not rule out that it is an element of the election campaign.
Political analyst Volodymyr Malinkovych thinks that Mr. Yushchenko’s initiative is a demagogy aimed at supporting the opposition political parties.
According to Mr. Malinkovych, Ukraine needs specific moves for total eradication of corruption at the same time capable of protecting deputies.
Source: Ukrayinska Pravda
