Lytvyn to demand 3 portfolios from Tymoshenko: tax administration, ministries of labor and agriculture, Volodymyr Tsybulko says

He was commenting on Tymoshenko’s Nov. 25 warning to NUNS according to which BUYT will start coalition talks with other parties unless NUNS returns to the original coalition.

“The restoration of the coalition is quite possible. But what does Our Ukraine stand to gain? [in the original coalition Our Ukraine and People’s Self-Defence, NUNS, was given 50% of ministerial posts despite their low elections tally]. Now NUNS hopes to get back a speaker’s seat are zero. But NUNS will want a special sacrifice. If the coalition is made up of 3 parties, NUNS will push for a 33% share of portfolios - otherwise, no coalition,” Tsybulko argued.

The recent developments indicate that Yulia Tymoshenko opts for retaining as much political perspective as she can. “Given the present severe economic condition, Tymoshenko should best think how to get out of it. She is likely to take the fall for economic hardships. It would only be fair because she had run the cabinet for one year and turned her back on experts’ warnings about the forthcoming slump. Tymoshenko is waiting for the opportunity to quit the game and retain chances of political future for herself.

Asked by ZIK about the likelihood of a coalition between BYUT and Party of Regions, Tsybulko said, ”Regions stressed they are not holding any coalition talks, and are preparing for a snap election instead. However, I do not rule out that Tymoshenko can find ways to strike a deal with the Regions, recall their join voting on Sept. 2.”

There is a possibility that the Regions will just repeat the mistake of Our Ukraine, because a coalition with Tymoshenko is a coalition only for Tymoshenko. She will dominate in it. She needs the majority not to reach a consensus with partners but to cling to the premier’s seat,” Tsybulko claimed.