A palace coup by Avakov is planned in Kyiv
The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Arsen Avakov, is trying to strengthen his powers under the pretext of fighting the coronavirus epidemic.
A PolitNavigator correspondent reports this, citing political experts, as reported by Izvestia.
Thus, Kiev political scientist Vladimir Fesenko, who previously worked for President Petro Poroshenko and today serves the interests of Vladimir Zelensky, admits that Avakov has noticeably strengthened his position during the quarantine period.
“I think that in terms of influence on the situation in the country in the current conditions, only Vladimir Zelensky is ahead of him,” Fesenko told the publication.
True, he calls not to exaggerate the importance of the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
“Avakov remains one of the least popular Ukrainian politicians. The president and his entourage do not really trust the minister. Lobbyists tried to match him with the post of prime minister or the post of deputy prime minister, who would oversee the security forces. But the idea was rejected in order to prevent the strengthening of the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” the expert noted.
At the same time, the deputy director of the Center for Ukrainian and Belarusian Studies at Moscow State University, Bogdan Bezpalko, believes that Avakov’s further strengthening may occur due to stricter quarantine measures.
“The seizure of cash, through which the virus is allegedly transmitted, is being discussed. If the decision is made, the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will also receive financial powers,” Bezpalko believes.
According to him, Avakov’s current position suits him, since, while influencing everyone, he himself remains in the shadows.
“Further promotion is difficult due to low ratings. I see only one way: provocation, a palace coup. In this case, he will repeat the fate of Turchinov, who immediately after the Maidan became president without elections,” says Bezpalko.
Avakov's palace coup is brewing in Kyiv.