Strong Ukraine finalizes merger with Party of Regions

Sergiy Tigipko’s Strong Ukraine political party formally decided on Saturday to merge with the Party of Regions, which includes most current government officials (including President Viktor Yanukovych and Prime Minister Mykola Azarov) and is the largest party represented in parliament, according to a website announcement. At the Party of Regions’ congress later in the day, Tigipko was elected vice-chairman. Tigipko was appointed to Azarov’s cabinet as vice prime minister in 2010. The idea of a merger between the two parties was first announced last August.

Brad Wells: This is likely to be the biggest political merger ahead of the October parliamentary election, though Strong Ukraine is not in the same force it was a year ago. The latest polls show it would not breach the new 5% barrier in a general vote to get into parliament, whereas Tigipko had finished third in the 2010 presidential election. The merger makes it likely Tigipko, regarded to be one of the most market-friendly figures in the current government, will remain in a position of power for the foreseeable future. The ball now moves to the opposition court, where the various political parties are attempting to set aside differences to establish common positions for the election. So far there is still little indication the traditionally personality-driven parties there can put together a similarly unified team and message for voters.