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The new Ukrainian parliament, resulting from an early election on July 21st, began its work on Thursday, August 29th. Members of the absolute majority of the president, and former comedian Volodymyr Zelenskiy, have appointed a new prime minister and his government.
With our correspondent in Kiev, Sébastien Gobert
At 35, Oleksiy Honcharuk becomes the youngest prime minister in the history of Ukraine, elected by the youngest assembly, knighted by the youngest president. The symbol is strong for this young lawyer, specialized in finance, who has on his shoulders the heavy ambition to modernize the economy, clean up the state, and fight against endemic corruption.
The exceptionally fast appointment of a government and technocratic team sends signals appreciated by the IMF and Western donors, although some names betray the influence of oligarchic groups.
Interior Minister stays at his post
In this overhaul of the political landscape, the controversial Arsen Avakov, Minister of the Interior since 2014, keeps his job, as desired by the sulfur oligarch Ihor Kolomoiskiy. What worry some observers, but not Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The president has already tabled several bills, to lift the immunity of elected officials, restructure the judicial system, and offer some social gifts to the population. He has almost full powers, and he obviously has no time to lose.