Ukrainians view of new government worsening, poll says

A growing number of
Ukrainians are viewing the government negatively, according to a new poll.
About 30.0% of respondents said the current government essentially doesn’t
differ from the prior one, compared to 26.6% in October. About 12.3% said the
current government is worse than the prior one, compared to 8.3% in October.
About 43.4% said the current government is better than the prior one, compared
to 48.2% in October. About 35.4% of respondents said the country is moving in
the wrong direction, compared to 28.7% in October. About 37.5% said the country
is moving in the right direction, compared to 45.0% in October.

The poll was
conducted between Nov. 1 and 7 by the Razumkov Center involving 2,015
respondents.

Zenon Zawada: In our view, Zelensky’s presidency
can take two paths. The first is the approach of former President Yanukovych,
which is success in appealing to his most reliable electorate, which is
southeastern Ukrainians. If he does this effectively (as Yanukovych had until
the EuroMaidan revolt), then he will secure a consistent 20%-25% support in the
polls, which is enough to survive on. At the foundation of this approach will
have to be accommodating Russia on Donbas (what many call capitulating) and
conducting a national referendum afterwards to discredit the pro-Western
opposition.

The other approach
is to do what Poroshenko had done, which is to make the easiest, short-term
decisions whenever it was possible, and postponing indefinitely those decisions
that were too difficult or costly to make. This approach caused Poroshenko’s
support to hit the single digits, or practically rockbottom, costing him
re-election.

However, Poroshenko’s well-regarded status on the international arena –
particularly during Russian aggression – was among the key factors preventing
any attempt from removing him from office early. Zelensky doesn’t have that
luxury. And the wide perception of him being weak and inexperienced means that
attempts to remove him from office will begin once his support base disappears
after failing to bring any peace to Donbas. People’s Servant Parliamentary
Faction Head David Arakhamia has already predicted a high likelihood of an
early dismissal of parliament, which would guarantee a far lower presence for
The People’s Servant political party in parliament.