Ukrainian Politics: Still the Silly Season?

Both leaders of the new party are known in the business circles better than in the political domain, as evidenced by their acts and statements. Mr. Balashov, for example, mentions the presence of "influential people" at the party convention who wanted no publicity. A statement only a political greenhorn would make (those with a need to know are only too well aware of who was present and said what, while the media simply does not buy such statements). And the same is true of collecting "at least 50% of the votes." The two businessmen are not likely to make good politicians, because politics is a different line of business, something they appear to know very little about. However, the most disheartening aspect is that businessmen are getting into politics, apparently because they are not satisfied by the existing "professionals."

While the party conclave took place behind closed doors, a meeting in support of the party was quite open, although it failed to gather any impressive audience.