Ukraine’s new President Viktor Yanukovych on Thursday tightened his grip on power as one of his closest allies became the new prime minister and his party succeeded in forming a ruling coalition.
The new coalition replaces the outgoing government of his arch-rival Yulia Tymoshenko, who Yanukovych defeated in February 7 presidential elections, and gives the new president control over all Ukraine’s man power centres.
Immediately after its formation, the coalition nominated Mykola Azarov — a dour ex-finance minister who was born in Russia and is seen as a steadfast Yanukovych ally — as the new prime minister.
The nomination was predictably approved by Yanukovych and then confirmed by parliament in a vote. Azarov has been mocked by critics for his poor command of Ukrainian but is also seen as an experienced economic manager.
Yanukovych’s Regions Party formed the ruling coalition in parliament with two minority parties and also won over sufficient other deputies to form a majority.
“I announce the creation of the coalition of ‘stability and reform’,” said parliament speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn, adding that the coalition had a majority of 235 MPs in the 450-seat Verkhovna Rada.
Besides the Regions Party, the coalition includes the Communists and Lytvyn’s own bloc.
Born in Russia and resident in Ukraine since only 1984, Azarov has been mocked by Yanukovych’s foes for his poor Ukrainian language skills and his penchant for distinctly undiplomatic talk.
He served as finance minister when Yanukovych held the post of prime minister and was also the head of his election headquarters during the last campaign.
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