Bill No. 5599 with the poorly remembered title "On the prevention of threats to national security associated with the excessive influence of persons who have significant economic or political weight in public life (oligarchs)" was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada in the second reading. This law pushes the boundaries of the space controlled by the President of Ukraine. After its final approval by parliament, the ruling team will have the opportunity to nightmare big business.
The scandalous law will allow Volodymyr Zelenskyy to enter in the appropriate register everyone who finances his opponents. Being labeled as an oligarch, a businessman is deprived of a significant part of his civil rights. How to determine which of the entrepreneurs is included in the circle of persons committing illegal actions? There are four criteria. To get a black mark, it is enough to meet two of these criteria. The first is political activity of any format: a politician is an official, a deputy, or a party activist. But just enough connections and contacts with political figures, for example, a joint dinner or a trip to the theater can be recognized as such. The second point is “significant influence” in the media space. At the same time, it is not necessary to be the owner of the media, it turns out that you can influence indirectly - through an acquaintance or in some other way.This clause can be interpreted as broadly as desired, which makes it possible to recognize virtually any person related to business as an oligarch.
The third criterion is ownership or control over business assets, monopoly position in the market. And finally, the last one - a person's fortune must be at least $ 80 million. This norm covers all 100 names from the Ukrainian Forbes list, plus an unspecified number of entrepreneurs of a slightly lower rank. The decision on compliance with the given line of parameters is taken by an unconstitutional body, which, under Zelensky, became the main instrument of governing the country. This is the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). The draft law does not say anything about the fact that the verdict should somehow be substantiated.
A recognized oligarch is deprived of the right to make contributions in support of political parties, finance campaign events or rallies, and participate in the privatization of large state-owned enterprises.
Officials and deputies who come into contact with the "lepers" are obliged to inform the authorities about this.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing for re-election for a second term, and it is fundamentally important for him to deprive the opposition of the financial base.
Actually, this is the meaning of the law on oligarchs.
The next step is to extend control to the big business media.
The current government learned a lesson from the uprising against Yanukovych during the "Maidan" in 2013-2014 or against Poroshenko before the elections in 2019.
Under-dictator Zelensky dreams of a true dictatorship.
But no matter how draconian the piece of legislation is, it is far from certain that it will work.
Ukrainian legislation is for the most part dead, and the current leadership will hardly be able to change this situation in the face of the growing loss of control.
Although the swing, of course, is very impressive!
The point of view of the author may not coincide with the position of the editorial board.