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Absent Ukrainian lawmakers threaten vital loan passage
🇸🇪 Sweden /Elections & Politics

Absent Ukrainian lawmakers threaten vital loan passage

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Ukrainian lawmakers' increasing absence from parliament threatens the passage of crucial legislation needed for international loans.
  • The war has made Ukraine heavily reliant on foreign aid, but these funds are conditional on reforms that are stalled by parliamentary inaction.
  • The difficulty in passing laws risks the state apparatus's financing and delays Ukraine's EU accession, with some calling the parliament dysfunctional.

Parliamentary absences are hindering Ukraine's ability to secure vital international loans, with some lawmakers reportedly growing tired of politics after seven years without elections. Empty seats in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, make it difficult to pass laws required to unlock billions in international aid. The country's defense spending consumes 40 percent of its GDP due to the war, making it entirely dependent on foreign loans and support. These funds are tied to reform requirements.

While Ukraine's reform pace is high, it sometimes happens despite, not because of, the parliament. Although key EU-required legislative changes were passed on May 28, enabling the disbursement of a €970 billion loan, other proposals, including those from the World Bank and IMF for billions more, remain stalled. This legislative gridlock risks cutting off state financing and delaying Ukraine's EU aspirations, leading some to label the parliament dysfunctional.

The difficulty in passing laws risks stopping the financing of the state apparatus and delaying the approach to the EU.

— Dagens NyheterThe article highlights the consequences of parliamentary inaction.

Passing a law requires an absolute majority of 226 out of 450 members, with no system for absent members. This majority requirement is a challenge as absenteeism rises and party discipline wanes. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Servant of the People party won an outright majority in the 2019 election, but many elected officials lacked political experience. With no elections held since due to the war, about 40 members of the Servant of the People party are reportedly considering leaving their posts, according to party leader Andriy Motovilovets. The party group has struggled to maintain cohesion.

Historically, the presidential office has held significant power in Ukraine. Under Zelenskyy, control over parliamentary discipline was maintained by former chief of staff Andriy Yermak. However, following his departure in November 2025 amid a corruption scandal, absenteeism has increased. Political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko notes that "Ukraine is a young democracy. The country has weak institutions."

Ukraine is a young democracy. The country has weak institutions.

— Volodymyr FesenkoA political scientist commenting on the challenges facing Ukraine's parliamentary system.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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