You're reading: Chernovetsky back in town, sounding nervous

Leonid Cherno­vetsky, Kyiv’s eccentric mayor, reappeared in Kyiv this week after facing rising criticism that he had not showed up for work in months.

In a 40-minute interview aired on Channel 5 late on Feb. 9, Chernovetsky was seen explaining that he had spent much of recent months residing abroad in “Georgia” and “European” countries.

But he insisted that had fulfilled his duties as the elected mayor of Kyiv signing papers that were “brought” to him, or during visits back to Ukraine.

In a break from his usual quirky public appearances, the 59-year old Chernovetsky appeared particularly nervous when discussing reported investigations into his inner circle of political allies.

Chernovetsky and a team of loyal supporters that have helped him manage the city in prior years were sidelined from power last year after President Viktor Yanukovych’s governing coalition adopted laws which reduced his authorities.

Power was shifted to a new position: city administration head. Presidential ally Oleksandr Popov was appointed to the position and has since taken on city management.

Chernovetsky suggested smear campaigns and political persecution were behind accusations targeting him and his allies.

“I don’t know of a single politician who would not be afraid … or would not expect political repressions,” he said in response to an interview question about probes Yanukovych-appointed prosecutors had into his inner circle.

The affluent former banker went on to say: “I am even more afraid about my children and grandchildren. I want them to live in Ukraine.”