AFP - Ukraine's new President Viktor Yanukovych on Thursday tightened his grip on power as one of his closest allies became the new prime minister and his party succeeded in forming a ruling coalition. The new coalition replaces the outgoing government of his arch-rival Yulia Tymoshenko, who Yanukovych defeated in February 7 presidential elections, and gives the new president control over all Ukraine's man power centres. Immediately after its formation, the coalition nominated Mykola Azarov -- a dour ex-finance minister who was born in Russia and is seen as a steadfast Yanukovych ally -- as the new prime minister. The nomination was predictably approved by Yanukovych and then confirmed by parliament in a vote. Azarov has been mocked by critics for his poor command of Ukrainian but is also seen as an experienced economic manager.
AFP - Ukraine's new President Viktor Yanukovych on Thursday tightened his grip on power as one of his closest allies became the new prime minister and his party succeeded in forming a ruling coalition.
The new coalition replaces the outgoing government of his arch-rival Yulia Tymoshenko, who Yanukovych defeated in February 7 presidential elections, and gives the new president control over all Ukraine's man power centres.
Immediately after its formation, the coalition nominated Mykola Azarov -- a dour ex-finance minister who was born in Russia and is seen as a steadfast Yanukovych ally -- as the new prime minister.
The nomination was predictably approved by Yanukovych and then confirmed by parliament in a vote. Azarov has been mocked by critics for his poor command of Ukrainian but is also seen as an experienced economic manager.
Yanukovych's close ally and former Finance Minister Mykola Azarov has been voted in as Prime Minister by the Ukrainian parliament after Yanukovych secured a coalition majority. Azarov's appointment received 242 of 450 assembly votes. The coalition is made up of Yanukovych's Regions Party, the Communist Party, the Litvyn bloc and the People's Party.
Yanukovych's close ally and former Finance Minister Mykola Azarov has been voted in as Prime Minister by the Ukrainian parliament after Yanukovych secured a coalition majority.
Azarov's appointment received 242 of 450 assembly votes. The coalition is made up of Yanukovych's Regions Party, the Communist Party, the Litvyn bloc and the People's Party.
'Forms constitutional coalition government', surely?
