Parliament Says Yes to Victory Day Parade
The authorities believe there is no need to hold a military parade on Khreshchatyk on May 9. This was reiterated on Government Day in the Verkhovna Rada, which was dedicated to the preparations for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the victory in WWII and veterans’ affairs in general.
The Cabinet of Ministers is arguing that it intends to concentrate its efforts on individual concern for every veteran rather than ostentatious celebrations. However, their opponents shared their viewpoints with The Day, which also deserve consideration (see below). Those who regard the celebrations of Victory Day as a link in the indissoluble chain of victories of the “world proletariat” are the only ones who oppose canceling the Victory Parade. For many veterans the parade is a powerful spiritual incentive, a vivid reminder of past accomplishments and the feats of their generation. This is no less important than the distribution of 50 grams of vodka and a bowlful of porridge [traditional, free V-Day treat for veterans].
However, the ministers obviously have different opinions. In his speech in parliament, Minister for Labor and Social Policies Vyacheslav Kyrylenko gave an account of the government’s plans for the holiday activities, which do not include a military parade. A reception will be held for veterans at Mariyinsky Palace at 9 a.m. on May 9, followed by a large gathering on Khreshchatyk, involving veterans from all Ukraine’s regions, to “demonstrate the government’s attitude toward veterans.” The minister announced that tables will be set up on Kyiv’s main street, where veterans will sit side by side with President Viktor Yushchenko, government officials, and people’s deputies. No platforms will be erected for the government leaders, as is usually done on such occasions.
According to statistics cited by Minister Kyrylenko, there are 3.8 million war veterans living in Ukraine today. However, their numbers are constantly declining, and the welfare of veterans is an increasingly acute issue. The minister promised that if parliament supports the amendments to the 2005 budget, the government will considerably increase pensions and improve medical care and conditions for veterans being treated in health-care centers and spas. According to Mr. Kyrylenko, the government is planning to double its aid to veterans for Victory Day. Approximately 190 million hryvnias have also been earmarked in the 2005 state budget for purchasing automobiles for veterans and war invalids, the minister announced.
Nevertheless, in spite of the government’s arguments, the Verkhovna Rada based its decision on the results of a hearing recommending that a Victory Day parade be held on May 9. Out of 414 MPs registered in parliament, 345 voted in favor.
The resolution also recommends that the State Committee of Veterans’ Affairs, which the government intends to disband, be retained. The Verkhovna Rada also called cabinet’s work on this issue unsatisfactory. Ukrainian MPs also resolved to give top priority consideration to any documents regulating issues related to the social protection of veterans and obliged cabinet to fulfill all the legal requirements concerning social security for war veterans.
The executive and legislative powers thus disagree on the key issue regarding the Victory Day celebration: holding a parade. Of course, the final decision is up to the executive branch. However, if it doesn’t take into account parliament’s stand, one can safely assume that the discussion around the Victory Parade will become entirely political.
