Thursday, August 03, 2006

Victor Yushchenko has nominated Victor Yanukovych as prime minister early morning today.

Funny how they keep readjusting themselves to the country. When Kuchma came to power 12 years ago, he didn't speak Ukrainian and everyone thought Ukraine would join Russia real soon; but instead he learned Ukrainian and everyone, including Western Ukraine, voted for him in 1999, because at that point he seemed like the lesser evil, compared to Symonenko, a Communist.

Considering the way he came to power, it was hard to imagine that Yushchenko would end up doing a similar trick.

In three years, we'll probably be choosing between Yanukovych and Tymoshenko - and Yanukovych's platform would really resemble that of Yushchenko in 2004, thanks to his Republican advisors.

Oh, and I don't think that "readjusting themselves to the country" is the same as "uniting" it. I think that all the talk about uniting Ukraine's East and West is abstract bullshit.

Mishah doesn't agree with me here; he says he believes it's a step toward the creation of the modern Ukrainian nation. He also says Yushchenko would now have many ways to manipulate Yanukovych, especially if there is a Regions of Ukraine/Our Ukraine coalition that excludes the Communists.

As for the morality of it all, Mishah thinks that like everything else in politics, it's all immoral, of course.

3 comments:

  1. I have to agree with Mishah. The statements coming from Yanukovych, even factoring in the politician BS factor, are really quite remarkable and conciliatory. Rather than paint him as a demon and push him into the outer darkness to plot revenge, isn't it better to 'convert' him - if possible - by containing him in a government that is committed to democracy?
    I think the signing of the universal appears at first glance to be a victory for Yushchenko, since the signers are essentially agreeing to his west-of-center stances. Not a bad achievement for a faction that had 14 percent in the election, and I'm sure there are many in Regions who wonder if they gave up too much.
    Also, it looks like this may leave out the Communists, and this is really good too for two reasons: 1, we don't need any Communists in government, and 2, without the Commuinists, Our Ukraine's support is essential for the new coalition to have a majority.
    I also think is it good to have an opposition as strong and forceful as BYuTy. A strong opposition, if skilfully handled, can be an effective force and counterweight.

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  2. BYuT is an excellent adversary as opposition but the main thrust of their attacks (as in the past) will be at Our Ukraine and the President NOT at Yanukovych and the Regions. As before the Rada elections, again, he and his party will not be the subject of criticism. I wonder why?

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  3. I think BYuT will eventually absorb part of Our Ukraine in the upcoming elections. I don't see Our Ukraine surviving for much longer.

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