Ukraine’s New-Look Government

Ukraine’s new government under Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko needs to rise above opposition attempts to sabotage its policies and internal coalition conflicts.

With Yulia Tymoshenko’s appointment this week as Prime Minister, Ukraine has finally realized the promise of a new democratic, western-focused government. As part of the razon-thin coalition majority, Tymoshenko is faced with the tough task of making a difference in a country that has been a witness to several years of political ineffectiveness and deadlock.

Hopes were raised after the coalition victory in September’s Parliamentary election, but roadblocks have seemingly thwarted every attempt at building a new government. Problems have ranged from coalition partner bickering to disagreements over the selection of a Parliament Speaker. Finally there was the alleged fraudulent first vote on Tymoshenko’s candidacy for Prime Minister.

Just as it seemed like we would witness continued governmental deadlock, President Viktor Yushchenko re-nominated Tymoshenko, who won the appointment via a show-of-hands vote. With enough time wasted, Tymoshenko has quickly formed a cabinet of ministers and set new governmental goals and priorities.

All seems quiet within the coalition, but the opposition is sure to make things difficult. Former Prime Minister and Party of Regions leader Viktor Yanukovych believes the new government will be ineffective, and the coalition will fall apart.

Tymoshenko and Yanukovych are sure to butt heads many times in the next several years. Already, Tymoshenko has promised to investigate alleged corruption within Yanukovych’s former government. In response, Yanukovych has formed a shadow government to closely observe the new cabinet.

Ukraine may have a new-look government, but the country’s politics will continue to be anything but boring. Will the new government be able to avoid standoffs and implement new policies? Can the coalition truly stay together and maintain a majority? It’s going to be an interesting time in Ukraine leading up to the 2010 Presidential election.