Ukrainian Representation In The Galician Regional Seimas: Legal Status And Powers

Abstract

The scientific article deals with the processes related to the historical experience of Ukrainians in the activities of the Galician Regional Seimas as an important stage in the struggle for the formation of civil society structures. The author examines the legal status and powers of Ukrainian deputies in the Galician Regional Sejm; characterizes the list of requirements that were set for ambassadors (the name of the position of deputy) in order to be elected; a list of grounds that made the election impossible; rights and responsibilities of deputies and activities in the Seimas, etc.

Ukrainian ambassadors to the regional Sejm were representatives of the region’s interests. From the very beginning of their activity they affirmed the national identity of Galicians, fought for their socio-economic, national-political and cultural- educational rights, took an active part in the formation of language-educational and electoral legislation, as well as in the activities of national parliamentary institutions. In general, the National Seimas was interpreted as a field of struggle for national equality and, thus, awakened the national consciousness of broad sections of the population.

The creation and activity of the Galician Seimas became an important experience for Ukrainians on the way to forming their own concept of national statehood and an effective place for gaining political experience.

Studying and analyzing the facts from the historical past ofUkraine, it is necessary to make a clear understanding of the aspirations of Ukrainians to create their own independent, conciliar, nationally worthy state with all its attributes. It is the events of the late nineteenth - early twentieth century. in Eastern Galicia and the activities of Ukrainian ambassadors in the Galician Regional Sejm were the key moments in confirming the state-building consciousness of the Ukrainian population of the region and the ability to find a political compromise at the right time.