Tymoshenko pushes Yushchenko toward political suicide, experts say

September26200819:21

If a new coalition is not formed in Verkhovna Rada, the only option for Ukraine is to hold early parliamentary and presidential elections, Premier Yulia Tymoshenko told foreign media Sept. 26, Reuters reports. Experts say that, given his present low approval rating of 5-6 percent, the incumbent and his pro-presidential parties will hardly make it to the top.

“If Pres Yushchenko and opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych manage to push Ukraine toward snap parliamentary elections, I think, it would be logical to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously, as it will allow to overcome the present crisis and reshape the political turf,” Reuters quotes Tymoshenko as saying.

The premier confirmed that her party, BYUT, will take part in both elections.

At the same time, she said there is still some hope the democratic coalition will be restored.

“While there is still time left, I am loath to think about the other option. I’ll do my best to avoid snap elections and keep democratic parties in the mainstream,” she added.

Yulia Tymoshenko also stressed that the formation of a new coalition that will include the Lytvyn bloc is the most likely scenario.