Prime Minister Mykola Azarov on Nov. 16 presided over a ceremony marking the promotion of Oleksandr Popov to Kyiv City Administration chief, replacing Leonid Chernovetsky, who will remain mayor and head of the Kyiv City Council.
Azarov said he and President Viktor Yanukovych have been impressed with Popov’s work as deputy administration head.
"Together with you we must transform Kyiv into a capital of a European state within a short period of time. These are not mere words. It is our task, which we will, step by step, accomplish," Azarov said.
Criticism against Chernovetsky mounted last winter when heavier than usual snow caused chaos in the capital, with ice wreaking havoc among pedestrians. Azarov on Nov. 15 compared him to the Queen of England, saying he had only ceremonial powers.
Chernovetsky was elected city mayor in 2006 and, by a quirk of Ukrainian politics, should formally retain the post of mayor even though he risks having no power if he does not control the city administration.
The two posts are separate in Kyiv, with the mayor being elected by popular vote and then appointed as city administration chief by the president. Chernovetsky had held both posts.
