MPs from the European Solidarity faction blocked the rostrum of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament), which on 18 November was scheduled to consider the dismissal of Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Economy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk.

Source: live broadcast of the parliament session

Direct quote from faction leader Petro Poroshenko: "Today we will not allow a vote on these two ministers (the dismissal of Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Economy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk). We responsibly state: we will not vote for this attempt to let off steam and preserve the corruption vertical."

Details: Poroshenko added that European Solidarity has launched a signature drive for the government's dismissal.

"We call for decisively stopping the Ali Baba government (in the NABU audio recordings leaked regarding a corruption scheme at Energoatom, 'Ali Baba' refers to the Head of the President's Office, Andrii Yermak), decisively forming a coalition, decisively reallocating funds for the front line, decisively restoring partners' and the people's trust, and decisively saving Ukraine," Poroshenko stressed.

Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk asked whether the faction would continue blocking the rostrum; MPs in the chamber began shouting "Government out!".

"Unfortunately, we cannot continue our work… I announce a recess in our session. I ask the leaders of factions and groups to gather in my office," Stefanchuk said.

Background: On 18 November, the Verkhovna Rada was to consider the dismissal of Minister of Justice Herman Halushchenko and Minister of Energy Svitlana Hrynchuk.

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