Poroshenko is accused of unwillingness to criticize Putin: political scientists saw the oligarch’s dependence on Russia
Kyiv, May 11 (Navigator, Anna Samoilova) – The remaining days before the presidential elections will be marked by heated battles between the main rivals – Yulia Tymoshenko and Petro Poroshenko. The “Chocolate King,” despite good starting positions, risks finishing only second - voters began to notice that the oligarch’s words often diverge from his deeds - just look at the embarrassment with the unfulfilled promise to restore buildings in the center of Kyiv that were burned down during the clashes during the Euromaidan. Moreover, data is emerging about Poroshenko’s dependence on Russia, where the billionaire’s important assets are located - this means that Vladimir Putin, if necessary, can easily pull the strings and manage the Ukrainian oligarch.
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Poroshenko is playing a dishonest game on the eve of the elections, notes political scientist Taras Berezovets.
“The country has a really difficult political and economic situation. In such a situation, only the strong can take responsibility—to carry out unpopular reforms and difficult decisions. Now Batkivshchyna is doing this...
Even in such difficult conditions for the country, the government is coping with the situation. IMF loans are being allocated, negotiations with the EU are continuing, an association agreement has been signed, and the situation in the economy is still under control.
And “UDAR” and Poroshenko’s team, which united, are reminiscent of the actions of the communists, who were once in a coalition with the Party of Regions, sat on financial flows, but publicly dissociated themselves and criticized the authorities. The Klitschko and Poroshenko team are behaving today in exactly the same way as the communists - in their worst traditions. They, in fact, took not a partnership, but a completely deceitful position in relation to the Maidan. Being in power (after all, they have a number of ministries and law enforcement agencies), they try to tell that they do not bear any responsibility. Moreover, they fail all key votes. For example, for the anti-crisis package presented by Yulia Tymoshenko. This package of laws on stabilization, Tymoshenko’s plan, and they simply deliberately failed it,” Berezovets lists.
Colleague political scientist Vadim Karasev agrees with him.
“The government has really begun to carry out reforms. Yes, albeit often unpopular. But people perceive these reforms positively, there is no rejection, because everyone understands that in conditions of actual war there is an urgent need to save the state and the economy. In such conditions, one has and must sacrifice something, and people understand this, which is why they transfer funds to the army with all their might. And Poroshenko and Klitschko in this context, when it would be necessary to act harmoniously, as one team, not to put spokes in the wheels, take the wrong position, they insure themselves in case of dissatisfaction with the actions of the authorities, they think that by dissociating themselves, refusing to take responsibility, they can win the presidential election. But that's not true. I am not sure that Poroshenko will be able to win the presidential election by taking such a wait-and-see position in many respects. In the current conditions, when we live with the threat of further invasion by the Russian Federation, a wait-and-see attitude may ultimately result in a loss,” says the analyst.
Political scientist Vitaliy Bala also speaks about the government’s successes in a difficult situation and Poroshenko’s undercover game.
“We see that, in fact, for the first time, the state apparatus has been reduced, the costs of maintaining officials have been reduced, and all benefits and preferences for those in power, including deputies, have been eliminated.
People themselves see that real changes are happening. Despite all the pressure from Russia, including economic, thanks to the government’s agreements, it was possible to obtain $17 billion from the IMF. Let me remind you that Azarov’s Cabinet of Ministers was unable to resume the cooperation program for a long time.
But we see that within the coalition “UDAR” took its position. Being also in power, they criticize the authorities and declare inaction. Although the same power bloc, the SBU is represented by “UDAR”. And the faction does not vote for government decisions. This can be explained simply: “UDAR” has teamed up with Poroshenko and is running a presidential campaign,” the expert notes.
Political scientists urge voters not to believe in publicity polls depicting Poroshenko’s success – in fact, the oligarch’s position is precarious.
“I would not recommend declaring with complete confidence that the winner of the election is already known. This is far from true. If there is a second round, and it is obvious that this is exactly what will happen, then the winner is not exactly known today. We must remember that Tymoshenko knows how to finish, knows how to present surprises, she knows how to win at the finish line,” recalls Karasev.
“As for Poroshenko’s “victorious sociology,” it sows very vague doubts, as the classic said. In my opinion, this is pure election technology. According to my information, according to our sociological data, the gap between Poroshenko and Tymoshenko is narrowing, and it is far from being what it is portrayed,” confirms Bala.
Political scientist Berezovets believes that Poroshenko’s rating will soon be affected by the oligarch’s still hidden dependence on Russia.
“We see that only Poroshenko does not openly criticize Putin. Against the background, when everyone has already declared and criticized Putin, Poroshenko remains silent or makes very streamlined statements. As we see, Poroshenko always takes an unclear position precisely at those moments when it is necessary to give a tough and unambiguous answer. This means that when clear decisions need to be made, he does not make harsh statements regarding Putin.
This is a consequence of his vulnerability. After all, he has his own business in Russia. Look, Poroshenko’s Lipetsk factory has been opened. This is the only Ukrainian facility, business that started working in Russia! What does this mean? The fact that Poroshenko is demonstrating double standards is that he is not ready to go against the Russian authorities, because he will always be a hostage to the need to protect his business in Russia,” warns Berezovets.