Poroshenko signs key legislation, voices dissatisfaction with Yarema

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed on Dec. 29 the laws enhancing the authority of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). He also signed the law amending Ukraine’s declared non-alignment with global military security blocs.

In a Dec. 29 press conference, Poroshenko said he’s not satisfied with the work of Prosecutor General Vitaliy Yarema but he has no complaints against him. He said he’s not satisfied with the progress in investigating those responsible for the deaths on the Maidan, but noted progress made in investigating judges that issued illegal rulings in regards to the Maidan protest.

Zenon Zawada: In enhancing the NSDC’s authority to oversee new anti-corruption agencies, Poroshenko has reached an agreement with the team of Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk to shield themselves against anti-corruption investigations, among other common political goals. NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov, part of Yatsenyuk’s team, is taking on the role of a mediator and bridge-builder between Poroshenko and Yatsenyuk.

Poroshenko’s decision to keep Yarema as his prosecutor general hints at corruption and won’t satisfy the public. It’s apparent that Yarema is an official that Poroshenko trusts to serve his political and personal interests. As prosecutor general, he has failed in his key tasks that were assigned to him in June, including bringing convictions in the EuroMaidan murders, and has appointed allegedly corrupt officials to his entourage.