Groysman’s emergence as likely prime minister is coming after closed-door dealings that lock out the public and, most likely, the public’s interests. To reach a majority of 226 votes in this Verkhovna Rada, it appears that concessions have been made to the oligarchs, fake populists and vested interests that have fleeced the nation since its independence in 1991. Groysman will present his program in parliament on March 25. He should talk about how he plans to break the grip of vested interests, but we doubt he has interest in doing so.
The stinky process to replace Yatsenyuk is more reason why only two options are acceptable: a professional and patriotic government led by Natalie Jaresko, the nation’s finance minister, or early elections to give voters another chance to drive out the corrupt old hacks that still dominate in parliament. In the end, Poroshenko became too frightened by Jaresko’s independence and the prospect that corrupt business as usual, especially in rule of law, will come to an end with her as prime minister.
After Ukraine’s troubled history with authoritarianism, there should be stronger opposition to Poroshenko’s attempt to monopolize power. Poroshenko has obstructed any overhaul of the nation’s courts and prosecutorial service in defense of the oligarchy during his nearly two years as president, giving him control of the judicial system. Now he wants to install his yes-man Groysman. Only the public, civil society and honest lawmakers acting together are strong enough to stop this candidacy.
Jaresko thankfully, although belatedly, blew the whistle on the sordid affair with her Facebook post of March 22, reprinted in full on page 5. We support Jaresko as prime minister, not because she’s perfect, but because she is effective and honest. We hope it’s not too late. If she loses, which seems likely, it’s because — as she says — she’s not a politician.
If Groysman gets in, we fear that the spotty reform drive will come to a complete halt as honest reformers such as Jaresko leave government in droves. If that happens, potential investors will remain on the sidelines and Western partners may stop the flow of cheap credit altogether.
Let’s be clear: Poroshenko is deeply unpopular because of the reforms he has not accomplished. The only silver lining in having Groysman as prime minister would be that Poroshenko will no longer be able to use Yatsenyuk or anyone else as his whipping boy. Ukraine will now be his ship to sink or sail.
