Arkady Moshes, the Director of the "Russia in the Regional and Global Context" research program at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs.
Photo:
|
 |
Victor Yushchenko Stakes on Ideological Policy
On the face of it, Victor Yushchenko's decision to head the "Our Ukraine" party appears irrational. Apparently, during the political crisis the president should remain above-the-fray, at least formally. In this case he would be able to explain his actions with the interests of the entire nation, rather than one party. Apparently, "Our Ukraine" can hardly benefit from being headed by a person who contributed to stirring up inner controversy and whose policy resulted in the party’s possible expulsion from Ukraine’s politics in case early parliamentary elections are held.
Failing to get on with the prime ministers of the "democratic" and "broad" coalitions (interim prime minister of autumn, 2005, Yury Yekhanurov, should not be taken in consideration), Victor Yushchenko is personally responsible for Ukraine’s sinking in the administrative and legal swamp. His foreign policy priorities – the country’s integration in NATO and the EU – are today as unachievable as in 2004. He failed to win over his opponents and keep his adherents.
Nevertheless, the president and his party’s policy have their own logic. Both Victor Yushchenko and the majority of "Our Ukraine" remain enthusiastic politicians. They openly struggle, expecting to mobilize loyal voters.
Restoring the visibility of unity in the national-democratic camp may be fruitful in some way. First of all, it can inspire the party’s ordinary activists, who are likely to be useful on the voting day casting their ballots for "Our Ukraine" to ensure their representation in Kiev.
To achieve it, little is needed. Even 7-8 % will suffice to receive the blocking package in the new Rada: given that Yulia Tymoshenko and Victor Yanukovich failed to come to an agreement regarding a coalition today, it will be more difficult for them to strike a deal ahead of the next autumn’s presidential campaign.
And even if they reach an agreement, which will prompt much speculation about setting up a pro-Kremlin alliance, and the economic crisis will be aggravating, the presidential party’s nominee will have a chance to participate in the run-off.
No doubt, this fight can become Victor Yushchenko’s last one. If nothing extraordinary happens, for example a full-scale conflict with Russia, Victor Yushchenko, most likely, will have to bid farewell to the political arena, which will certainly play into the hands of those who are not pleased to see the leader of the "orange revolution" in it. However, this fact will not mean Ukraine’s rejecting ideological policy as such. Nor will it signify the country’s abandoning its Euro-Atlantic ambitions.
Arkady Moshes, the Director of the
All the Article in Russian as of Dec. 01, 2008
|
|
|
