Poroshenko wants Economy Minister to stay

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko stated on Feb. 3 that Economy Minister Aivaras Abromavicius “should stay and continue reforms”.  Poroshenko met with the minister and “guaranteed his continued support” of reform-oriented initiatives, he stated in a Facebook message. The President believes that the facts of corruption, pointed out by Abromavicius earlier that day, should be investigated by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Abromavicius announced his intention to resign on the morning of Feb. 3, stating that the President’s friend, Ihor Kononenko is blatantly invading the activity of the ministry, blocking reform initiatives and lobbying his people for positions to control the cash flow of state enterprises. Abromavicius stated that he does not intend to be “a cover for blatant corruption”. Later that day, the ambassadors of all G7 countries, as well as those of Sweden, Switzerland and Lithuania issued a joint statement about their “disappointment” at the resignation. Later on, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau opened an investigation into Abromavicius’s revelations.

Alexander Paraschiy: Abromavicius, one the “foreigners” in the Ukrainian government and a person with an excellent reputation in the West, could indeed have been a good “cover” that hid all the wrongdoings in Ukrainian state enterprises, if not for his demarche. Now he has become a litmus test for the West that could prove real fights with corruption are going on. This is why his retention of ministerial position is critically important for Poroshenko – otherwise the president’s reputation in the West will suffer significantly, and the West’s commitments to help Ukraine financially will weaken. Alternatively, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau could indict Kononenko for corruption – though we do not believe this will happen – the allegations announced by Abromavicius, even if proved, don’t seem likely to seriously damage Poroshenko’s friend.

If Abromavicius decides to stay (there is still some chance of that), he would significantly increase his chance to retain his position in a new government. Keep in mind, the parliament coalition is seriously considering a government reshuffling soon.