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Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of real liberty
Henry M. Robert

Premier not in Politics For his Health

15 June, 1999 - 00:00

By Iryna HAVRYLOVA, The Day
Leaders of 12 parties "representing the entire political spectrum" signed
a statement on June 8, announcing the creation of a bloc in support of
Leonid Kuchma. The bloc, the document reads, is aimed at securing Mr. Kuchma's
victory in the presidential elections and the signatories feel confident
that "Leonid Kuchma, who embarked on the course of reform, must receive
the authority from the citizens of Ukraine to energetically continue it."

In fact, quasi-party elements copied a similar parliamentary move when
the declaration of cooperation among groups of deputies and factions was
signed. Obviously, after receiving evidence of intra-parliamentary integration
the Premier had to demonstrate similar progress in the party sphere. Mr.
Pustovoitenko believes that the newly established bloc will serve as nucleus
for Zlahoda, strengthening its influence on society and in Parliament.
He also agreed to coordination between the bloc, Zlahoda, and the President's
Coordinating Council. This makes sense, since prior to June 16, when Verkhovna
Rada will have a vote of confidence on the Cabinet, and it is important
for the Premier to form a sizable package of documents, groups, and blocs
to show Mr. Kuchma his "multivector" abilities.

His scheme was aptly illustrated by the new Liberal leader in Lviv,
Mr. Vialov, who stressed that the 12 party leaders have half a million
votes behind them, although votes are something Mr. Kuchma already has.
When asked about the President's recent "ban" on his campaigning, Valery
Pustovoitenko replied, "Certainly it is not a completely good situation
when I am forced to take part in politics ... I have always stood aside
and did not take part in politics..."

Let us note that party leaders also tried to turn the situation to their
own advantage. All bloc members tried to pose as that very spectrum of
national democratic forces, precisely the right flank. Republic Christian
Leader Mykola Porovsky announced, "The national democratic forces could
not unite and put forward a single strong Right candidate." It is obvious,
however, that this did not happen precisely because the bloc's nominee
had skinned that center alive, whereupon mini-parties settled on the scorched
earth left with their "genetic" desire to back the current President. It
is also possible the parties put together by Mr. Pustovoitenko with such
painstaking care are meant to help Leonid Kuchma avoid the temptation of
losing his nonaffiliated status by siding only with the United Social Democrats.

 

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