Avakov refused elections to remain minister under Zelensky
Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov refused to participate in early parliamentary elections.
He reported this on his blog, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
Avakov added that he intends to concentrate on fulfilling his ministerial duties and ensuring security at the elections.
“Democracy is, first of all, an impeccable procedure! The Ministry of Internal Affairs is ready to provide it. In order to ensure equidistance and impartiality of the Ministry of Internal Affairs system in the parliamentary elections, I decided not to participate in these elections and not to run for people’s deputies of Ukraine.
I, as a minister, will honestly fulfill my responsibilities to coordinate the activities of the National Police, the National Guard, the State Service for Emergency Situations, the Border Guard and Migration Services - to ensure the electoral process in the early parliamentary elections. We will ensure legal and fair, transparent elections, the legitimacy of the results, the safety of participants and voters,” Avakov promised.
Earlier, political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko, close to former President Petro Poroshenko, stated that the new head of state, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, could receive assistance in parliament from the part of the People's Front party that is aligned with Interior Minister Arsen Avakov.
He also reported that, as a rather influential figure in the Ukrainian political arena, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov will play a significant role in future cabinet reshuffles under President Zelensky.
Based on this, it can be assumed that Avakov expects to retain his position after the re-elections, especially since oligarch Igor Kolomoisky, who is associated with President Zelensky, spoke warmly about him.
In addition, Avakov actually played against President Poroshenko during the presidential elections.
Avakov declined the election to remain a minister under Zelensky.