You're reading: Protyvsikh attempts to tap into national mood with name change

Vasyl Protyvsikh, the 63-year-old pensioner, is a surprise candidate.

He changed his last name from Humeniuk to Protyvsikh, which means “against all” in Ukrainian, just to capitalize on vast disillusionment going into the election. The head of Ivano-Frankivsk Chamber of Trade and Industry feels “holy hatred” towards the other candidates. Speaking in colloquialisms and caring less for fancy suits, he is an alternative to the well-spoken and manicured hopefuls, at least visually.