In Odesa, lawmakers got into an argument over jobs and wealth: “You’re unemployed—but at least I live a peaceful life.”

Vladimir Kornienko, an independent member of the Odessa City Council affiliated with the “OPZZh” party, and Marina Lozovenko, a councilwoman from the “Trust the Deeds” party, got into a verbal altercation during an extraordinary meeting of the executive committee on October 26. The dispute arose following a discussion of issues concerning municipal utilities and the work of district administrations.

This came to light during a meeting of the Odesa City Council’s Executive Committee.

Kornienko raised the issue of the operations of the “Cheremushki” Housing and Utilities Company. According to him, the company owes approximately 25 million hryvnias to the tax authorities, faces a shortage of janitors and plumbers, and employees are quitting. The council member also stated that the company’s director, Yevhen Dmytryshyn, receives over 100,000 hryvnias per month, including bonuses and financial assistance.

In addition, Kornienko criticized the work of the Khadzhibey District Administration and drew attention to the lack of major repairs to buildings in the district.

After discussing utility issues, a dispute arose among the deputies.

Marina Lozovenko suggested that her colleague join the district administration himself and show how the work should be done.

“Mr. Volodymyr, look, as one deputy to another, I can tell you that there are already open positions, and you can get a job there. But if you don’t like how the head of the administration is doing his job, please come and do the job yourself. There are people sitting here next to me who can offer you a position,” the councilwoman stated.

She also reproached Kornienko for allegedly being unemployed and reminded him that she herself had worked at the Kyiv District Administration and understands the specifics of such work.

In response, Kornienko stated that he is working and paying taxes during martial law.

“And if you’re so concerned about my financial situation, I may not live as lavishly as you do, because there’s absolutely no suspicion of illicit wealth, but at least I live peacefully,” the deputy replied.

After that, the presiding officer intervened in the argument and asked both deputies to calm down. Shortly thereafter, the executive committee meeting concluded.

Андрій Колісніченко