Monday, December 3, 2012

In Other Ukraine News: Government Collapses, Prime Minister Resigns

Following up on "Talk About Financial Repression: It's Now Illegal to Mention Foreign Currency in Ukraine".
From Agence France-Presse:
KIEV — Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and the entire government resigned Monday in a surprise move after controversial elections as the economy teeters on the brink of recession.

The presidency said President Viktor Yanukovych had accepted Azarov's request to give up his post and become an MP, a move expected to be repeated by several cabinet ministers.

It remained unclear who would fill the powerful post of premier, with some analysts speculating it could go to a member of the elite close to Yanukovych known as the "Family".

"President Viktor Yanukovych accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, satisfying the demand of the latter," the statement added.

The move cames as a new parliament prepares to meet after October 28 legislative elections which raised new concerns about democratic standards under Yanukovych.

The ruling Regions Party appears to have retained control of the Verkhovna Rada with the help of independents despite a strong challenge from the opposition parties of boxer Vitali Klitschko and imprisoned ex-premier Yulia Tymoshenko....MORE