“You are being accused of actively interfering in the formation of the parliamentary majority. Do you think it is good when a representative of one branch of power cares about the affairs of another?”
“I must say that neither the Presidential Administration nor its Chairman, i.e., me, can influence the formation of a parliamentary majority. If I have to settle some matters with the faction that represents the party I lead, namely, SDPU(o), this does not mean the Administration exerts influence. Yes, we consulted each other, our party’s politburo made a decision on the conditions for entering the majority. But this is an absolutely normal thing, and I acted here as a party leader, not as presidential administration head... Yes, the President is interested in the formation of a majority that will take up joint responsibility for the performance of the Cabinet. But this is personal business of every deputy. I have already said I would like to hear a deputy say that Medvedchuk pressured him to enter the majority or do something else. As far as I know, there have been no statements of this kind.”
“But there are other statements, particularly, from Our Ukraine that while some political forces won the parliamentary elections, others are ruling the state. This must be a hint in your direction, for your party was not among those who finished first in the elections. Your attitude to these words?”
“I take an absolutely normal view of what Our Ukraine leaders are saying today because I am aware that they need to say something... I think the public has seen clearly that Our Ukraine representatives failed to produce anything but words. As to the claim that one force won and another influences the country’s leadership, I categorically do not agree to this. Firstly, they are not the force that won the elections, they just ranked first in proportional-representation constituencies. Kudos to them for that! But it should be remembered that it is the majority of people’s deputies – 226 votes – that has the final say in lawmaking and other activities of Verkhovna Rada. I would like to cite the example of Slovakia, where Vladimir Meciar’s party won the elections but failed to enter the governmental coalition. I could also cite the example of Germany, where CDU/CSU came off first but the Social Democrats made a deal with the Greens and thus formed the government. I think Mr. Yushchenko and other Our Ukraine members must learn the history of Europe’s political life – only then will they understand that one must do something, not only speak... We suggested long ago that all the democratic forces favoring a market economy should unite. There are about 340-350 deputies of this kind in parliament. Why do the ambitions of one political force stand in the way of this? All the others, except Our Ukraine, decided to and did unite. And I can assure you that the majority exists, it has put its name on the map, and will soon do concrete things – not in the sense of portfolio distribution but in assuming responsibility and making laws. You remember the way it was in 2000.”
“...What is the essence of the conflict between Our Ukraine and SDPU(o) and their leaders?”
“SDPU(o) has never sought a face- off... Moreover, we have so many common points in our programs and actions, and we must work together. But it is wrong when a political force believes everything should revolve around it. For if Our Ukraine had 226 parliamentary votes, there would be no problems and all would be working on the conditions set by this majority. But it is mindless and groundless to demand something if there is no such majority.”
“The President said proposals about a coalition government should be submitted before the end of October. Does this mean the days of the Kinakh government and the premier personally are numbered?”
“No, it doesn’t. The President took a clear stand on September 24: please form the majority and assume responsibility for the formation of a coalition government. The President will fulfill his promise after he has seen the proposals from factions and groups. Whether or not Mr. Kinakh will head the coalition government will depend on the factions that will take up this responsibility...”
“Do you personally think we need a new premier?”
“I personally think Mr. Kinakh is doing a good job, and if I were the deputies I would indeed form a coalition government remaining under his leadership. But it is up to the deputies to make a decision; we are not going to intervene – we will support their choice...”
