Groysman to remain as prime minister until October, at least

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said on
Apr. 11 that he will remain in his post until at least October, when the
parliamentary elections will be held. “The presidential elections are not a
reason for the prime minister’s resignation,” he told the lb.ua news site. When
asked whether he is willing to replace those ministers belonging to the
president’s quota, Groysman said it’s the president’s prerogative, pointing out
that the nominees also need the parliament’s approval. When asked about the
threat to stability by a Volodymyr Zelenskiy presidency, Groysman said,
“Everything will be fine.”

Zenon Zawada: This
turbulent period that Ukraine is about to enter provides an excellent chance
for Groysman to establish himself as a leading politician in Ukraine. Having
served as prime minister since April 2016, he has established a solid reputation
for himself. Though he’s not very popular, he also isn’t highly disliked, as
President Poroshenko is. If Groysman is able to cover for Zelenskiy during
possible weak moments, his support among the public has the potential to rise
quickly. Groysman is not currently a member of any political party. So he can
join any new parties (perhaps even Zelenskiy’s People’s Servant party) or even
form his own force for the October vote, if he plays his cards right.

Another potential leader to emerge from this
turbulent period is Arsen Avakov, who will also remain in his influential post,
as internal affairs minister, until the new parliamentary majority emerges,
which should happen in late December. Like Groysman, Avakov isn’t particularly
popular, but neither is he intensely disliked. Being a member of the People’s
Front party, which won’t return to parliament, he will also be looking for a
party to join, or to launch his own.