Verkhovna Rada
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is the unicameral parliament of Ukraine, functioning as the country's highest legislative body. Here is a detailed overview:
History
- Establishment: The Verkhovna Rada was established following the declaration of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Its roots, however, can be traced back to the Central Rada of the Ukrainian People's Republic in 1917.
- Soviet Era: During the Soviet period, it was known as the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it was renamed and reorganized into the Verkhovna Rada.
- Post-Independence: The first session of the independent Verkhovna Rada took place on May 15, 1990, and it has since played a crucial role in shaping Ukraine's political landscape.
Structure and Functions
- Composition: It consists of 450 members elected for a five-year term. The members are called "People's Deputies of Ukraine."
- Election Process: Members are elected through a mixed electoral system, combining a majority system in single-member constituencies with a proportional representation system based on party lists.
- Functions: The Verkhovna Rada has legislative, oversight, and representative functions. It passes laws, approves the budget, ratifies international treaties, and appoints or dismisses key officials like the Prime Minister and other members of the government.
Key Features
- Session: The parliament convenes in regular sessions which start on the first Tuesday of February and last until the last Friday of January the following year.
- Speaker: The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada is the presiding officer, currently Dmytro Razumkov.
- Committees: There are several standing committees that focus on different legislative areas, aiding in the legislative process.
Recent Developments
- Reforms: Since Ukraine's EU integration aspirations, the Verkhovna Rada has undergone reforms to align with European parliamentary standards, including transparency in voting and the reduction of political immunity.
- 2014 Revolution: The Euromaidan protests led to significant changes, with the parliament playing a pivotal role in the removal of President Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014.
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