Taras Kuzio’s Blog

Supposing for one moment that this pretension were even true – what earthly difference could that possibly make?

“Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad” Sad to say, but that would seem to be the case here.

By Roman on Dec 6, 2009

It’s completely harmless in comparison with Tym’s delusions that she is the one to save the country and clean up corruption. And harmless in comparision with journalists who give such one sided information especially abroad where people just swallow articles without knowing any other information.

By anon on Dec 7, 2009

Well I actually read it now. All he said was that it’s possible that his families come from the same area and possibly have some family connection as well. Nothing unreasonable there even though personally I don’t find it of any import. How unfair can one get to make him out as having a psychological problem. He never made out that he has inherited greatness. That’s your extropolation. What would Freud say about that?

By anon on Dec 7, 2009

Face it, such trivial speculation in the middle of an electoral campaign just begs for belittling ridicule. For instance check out that post in Russian in the linked news item: “let’s encourage him to continue searching for his roots, maybe he’ll find a link to Roman emperors”. One expects gravitas, not frivolity, when a statesman speaks.

By Roman on Dec 7, 2009

And Russia comes from Kiev Rus.

Seriously Yushchenko is a sad sad joke who appear to be suffering a serious case of narcissism – Presidential disease

Whilst maintaining my belief that the Presidential system and direct election of a head of state should be abolished the only sure thing that will come from the January poll is that Yushchenko will be removed from office. A step forward.

Yushchenko is delusional if he thinks he can win the next Presidential election with less then 4% support.

I have never seen such as a hopeless head of state except for George Bush

By UkrToday on Dec 8, 2009

Yushchenko is alas NOT out of the game. He has every chance of receiving 3rd or 4th place (with Tihipko). These 2 will share the 3rd and 4th places.
With the decline of Yatseniuk, Yushchenko has taken over as the “non-Tymoshenko” candidate in Galicia. Yushchenko has retreated from his 2004 centrist platform (that won him central AND western Ukraine) to a West Ukrainian/Galician nationalism. This retreat is combined with a sweetheart deal with Yanukovych:
dissolve the Rada after you are elected and make me PM. A dissolved Rada means Yushchenko, Yatseniuk and Baloga would get their own factions that would replace the current Our Ukraine-Peoples Self Defence.

By Taras on Dec 8, 2009

http://www.pravda.com.ua/articles/4b1d1364b6680/

Interview with political technolgist working for Yushchenko’s campaign. See Utube clip of Yushchenko. Delusional. He says “There have been mistakes. I tse meni bolyt”.
What lies.

By Taras on Dec 8, 2009

Yushchenko is not the only one talking about dissolving Parliament after the presidential election.

Such a scenario has been reported previously in the Ukrainian media, and he’s not the only one talking about it.

The most recent such statement came from Yatseniuk – no ifs, ands or buts, he’ going to disband Parliament.

By elmer on Dec 8, 2009

I’m glad someone is privvy to all these secret sweatheart deals. How do you rate Taras? or are you just regurgitating what you read in the Ukrainian tabloids?

By Wolodymir on Dec 8, 2009

Heres another for you, just as reliable if not more so than your source.

“I’ll tell you what will happen if parliament is not dissolved – Yanukovych will finally unite with Tymoshenko. Their party will be called ‘A United Ukraine,’”

By Wolodymir on Dec 8, 2009

One example: This weeks Komentarii. Is this a tabloid.

By Taras on Dec 8, 2009

Yushchenko is NOT out of t5he game.

The only way Yushchenko can survive the election is IF Yatseniuk and the other minor players withdraw in his favour and advocate people voting for Yushchenko. Coming in 3rd or forth place does not help. Ukraine does not have a preferential voting system. It is a first-past-the-post voting system. Only the two highest polling candidates can progress to the second round. Yushchenko is on less then 4%. Way behind second place candidate Yulia Tymoshenko.

Even if Yushchenko pulled off the miracle of the century and made it to the second round he would not win. 73% of Ukrainians have stated they will not vote for him.

Personally I do not care who is president as long as it is not Yushchenko. He has been a co0mplete disaster in every respect. Any positive has been outweighed by the negatives. I do not see or consider him to be a proponent of democracy, more of an opponent.

A presidential system is autocratic not democratic. Ukraine would be better off if the head of state was elected by a constitutional majority of the parliament as is the case in the EU.

I will always support Ukraine’s democratically elected Parliamentary representatives. They is not to say I support every decision but policy or initiative but in the end the Parliament should reign supreme. The voices of many as opposed to the voice of one.

Yulia’s biggest mistake was trusting Yushchenko as long as she did. Battered wife syndrome.

If either Yulia or Yanukuoych is elected I would welcome any proposed alliance or coalition between them. Open and transparency is the key to good governance.

Yushchenko and Our Ukraine tied to form an alliance with Party of Regions back in 2006, 2007. If an alliance can be reached then great all the better for Ukraine. If Ukraine is to address the multitude of issues that confronts it it needs stability first and foremost, underpinned by a true democatic process and system of governance. A parliamentary system of governance is the only true form of democrarcy. If Ukraine wants to be a part of Europe then it should look to Europe and adopt European models as did the other former Soviet States.

Yushchenko’s proposed reforms would be a backward step. Those who support Yushchenko need to ask themselves would they support the restoration of absolute Presidential authority if Yanukovych is elected President?

With Yushchenko removed form office I believe Ukraine will finally have a chance to relay the foundation stones and rebuild a truly democratic state. Our role is to support Ukraine in making that transition.

By UkrToday on Dec 9, 2009

Simple Question to Volodymyr.

Which do you support?

Autocracy or democracy?

President or Parliament?

Rule of law or rule by presidential decree?
One vote on value – equal representation or a bias in favor of one party or region?

A fair honest political system that reflects the diversity of the electorate or a system that delivers a political outcome in favor of one party?

Self governance and independence or subordination and domination of a “elected”/anointed ruler?

Hetman or rada?

By UkrToday on Dec 9, 2009

UkrToday, where have you learned to state that “…A parliamentary system of governance is the only true form of democracy…” or “…presidential system is autocratic not democratic…”? Maybe you think that democracy in the USA is “false”? Do you understand that “democracy” is not some kind of firm constant definition, that it’s models and understanding of this term do change and develop in time-space coordinates? What do you mean by so called “European democracy” if in the beginning of 20th century lots of citizens left their countries (mostly monarchies) for the USA (to say nothing of later dictator regimes in some of them)? Yes, the democracy “was born” in Europe, but if there were no “New World” with higher level of democracy – it is doubtful that one can see modern Europe as democratic as it is today.
As for me the form of government is not determinative factor for democracy, although it’s not a simple question to answer in context of what’s better for this or that country, and especially for today Ukraine.
And one more question to you – whom do you represent when you write: ” Our role is to support Ukraine…”?

By Yuri_D on Dec 9, 2009

Democracy is based on rule of law and representative governance. The principles of equality, fairness and one vote one value.

Democracy is not perfect but it is better then the alternatives. A presidential system is not democracy.

It is everyone resposni9biolity to support Ukraine in making its transition to a true democratic state. Our in the collective.

If Ukraine wants to be a EU member state then it should adopt a European parliamentary model of governance

Will you support power in then hands of a president who is not of your choosing?

Proverbs 11:14

Where there is no counsel the people fall but in the multitude of counselors there is safety”

By UkrToday on Dec 9, 2009

UkrToday, you’ve sidestepped from the direct question: do you really think that the level of democracy in USA is lower than in abstract “Europe” (there are lot of countries and systems there)? On my opinion the modern word “democracy” should not be understood in its initial narrow meaning – it includes all the rules and relationships between the subjects of the society as a system – economics, politics, education, traditions etc. Using analogy with electronics, automation – the efficiency and stability of a system is achieved due to the existence of optimal and balanced network of local and global negative feedbacks. If the only feedback in society is “democratic elections” once in 4-5 years – neither presidential nor parliamentary system will guarantee real democracy.
You should not make such a global conclusion that “presidential system is not democracy” even if you live in Russia – today autocracy trends have long history, but the main reasons are much deeper.

By Yuri_D on Dec 10, 2009

Meanwhile I understand that the following stinging rebuke, in a clip posted on Utube and right on target all the way down the line, is verboten within the boundaries of Ukraine:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zpm9Dmmd-Mk

By Roman on Dec 11, 2009

Democracy is based on rule of law and representative governance. A single person Presidential system is not democracy its autocracy. Canada is a democracy the USA is not. And yes I think Europe in general is much more democratic then the USA. A Parliamentary system reflects the diversity of the electorate. the US presidential system where highest vote in each state elected 100% of the delegates which in turn then else the US president is not what I would call democratic representation.

Please answer the above questions.

Which do you support?

1. Rule of law or rule by presidential decree?

2. One vote on value – equal representation or a bias in favor of one party or region?

3. A fair honest political system that reflects the diversity of the electorate or a system that delivers a political outcome in favor of one party?

4. Self governance and independence or subordination and domination of a “elected”/anointed ruler?

5. Hetman or rada?Parliamentary,

6. Canada or the USA?

In addition it would be interesting if you rank each of the candidates in order of preference. 1 to 18 (1 being your first choice).

A preferential poll as compared to a first-past-the-post voting system is like an x-ray versus a CAT scan.

By UkrToday on Dec 11, 2009

UkrToday, on my opinion your views are highly dogmatic and idealistic. You should understand that there is no ideal abstract democratic system in any country, and as R.Kipling wrote:
“…There are nine and sixty ways of constructing tribal lays,
And—every—single—one—of—them—is—right!”
I don’t know how to explain you that democracy is not exclusively the type of legislative system, it’s not simply the word translated as “rule of the people”, it is not the form that determines its level, but contents and efficiency of its functioning in real time and real world.
I cannot agree with your “Canada is a democracy the USA is not.” – the level of democracy is high in both of them. But could today Canada as well as European and other countries gain such or even any success in democracy without following example of the USA with its most stable and permanently developing democratic system?
I don’t understand why you are signing “UkrToday” – it seems that you live somewhere in Canada and don’t know real life and real problems of today Ukraine.

By Yuri_D on Dec 11, 2009

Each to their own. The presidential system is unrepresentative. You can not have a democracy without a legislator. A parliament well constructed is by far a better alternative.

I do not particularly agree with the Canadian or British “first-past-the-post” electoral system is democratic either. It’s a question of degree but it is by far more preferable then the US presidential system or that proposed by Yushchenko which has the worst of the worst aspects western democracies.

All presidential systems are autocracies. One person rules over the majority.

Give me rule of law before rule by presidential decree as proposed by Yushchenko.

If Ukraine wants to be a part of Europe then it should be adopting European Systems.

I am certainly aware of the situation in Ukraine today. I have lived predominately in Ukraine since 2001 and have traveled the country extensively East West and South. Nice try.

By UkrToday on Dec 11, 2009

The NISS Poll as published by NRCU shows Yushchenko doubling his vote to 9.5%. The Communist party leader Petro Simonenko who normally polls around 5% is not even listed.

This is a very strange result indeed. The only explanation I can come up with is the number of smokers who may decide to support Yushchenko following his veto on the proposed increase in taxation on tobacco products. (Are the tobacco companies funding his campaign?)

Then there is the Russian Berezovsky (alleged criminal) who has called for Yushchenko to be supported. I do not think he influences too many voters who are not already committed.

Tyahnybok has also doubled his vote in the NISS poll

Our Ukraine candidates
Yushchenko (9.5%), Yatseniuk (8.5%), Hrytsenko (2.1%) and Kostenko (1.3%) together represent 21.4% a good 7% points above what Our Ukraine normally get. Looks very much like someone is blowing hot air and inflating the results.

The poll is lacking credibility in so many areas. not the least that the number of “Against all “and will not vote and undecided is not presented.

Even if you take the poll as being correct Yushenko is 9% points behind Yulia Tymoshenko.

For Yushenko to be in a winning position to out poll Yulia Tymoshenko, Yatseniuk and the other three would need to withdraw and transfer all of their votes to Yushchenko. A big ask with just 35 days to go.

CanidateVote
Yanukovych 32.70%
Tymoshenko18.80%
Yushchenko9.50%
Yatseniuk8.50%
Tihipko8.00%
Lytvyn6.00%
Tyahnybok3.90%
Hrytsenko2.10%
Moroz1.60%
Kostenko1.30%
others1.70%

sum94.10%

By UkrToday on Dec 11, 2009

UkrToday, where do you live that NISS’s results seem strange to you?
You should know that NISS is parasitic lackey structure at president (founded by Kuchma, now serving to “Kuchma-2″ – Yushchenko & Yanukovich). I recommend you to watch only one press-conference at UNIAN with Yu.Ruban (NISS’s director) – and it’s enough for understanding “who is who”.

By Yuri_D on Dec 12, 2009

I understand that the NISS is a presidential think tank. Its board of directors have all been appointed by Yushchenko. I do not take it serious at all. There are too many deceropancies in the information that has been published. The communist Party leader Petro Symonenko has not been listed nor has the number against all, Unknown or will not vote. The data that had been published equals 94%. Which is very high indeed. With an expected participation rate of 87% Strip back Yushchenko and add in Simoneko and you are back to what all the other polling agencies are reporting.

I am concerned that Yanukovych will win the election and then seek to consolidate his power and would also tempted to support Yushchenko’s proposed Federation of regions (With reform to the establishment of Yushchenko’s proposed Senate representational model)

With absolute power invested in the hands of the president Yanukovych will see no reason to negotiate with his opposition. He will not need to.

If Yulia was elected (And I think the odds are against her) Ukraine has a better chance to adopt a European Parliamentary model which in the long run would be better for Ukraine.

I again ask the above questions and ask that the obvious question would you support Yanukovych or any candidate not of your choosing having absolute power and control without checks and balances.

The problems Ukraine has faced Iver the last 5 years have all been predominately of Yushchenko making. Yushchenko has been the main cause for destabilization and ongoing conflict, division and distrust. He has achieved nothing other then demonstrating why the presidential system is doomed to failure.

Ukraine must look at the lessons of history and study the events of England’s experience and that of Oliver Cromwell.

By UkrToday on Dec 12, 2009

Zik has an interesting article.

Viktor Medvedchuk now advocates a return to the previous soviet presidential model. He states

QUOTE

“He regrets having said in 2004 that Ukraine needs a European-style democracy – a parliamentary/presidential form of government”

“I do not want such democracy, neither for me nor for my children. The country must roll back to presidential/parliamentary form of government in which the president, supported by the parliamentary majority, forms the cabinet,” Medvedchuk stressed.”

His change of heart comes at a time when Yushenko is soon to be removed from office and Yanukovych likly to become president.

Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Now is not the time to seriously debate Constitutional reform. Depending on who is elected to office we might not see meaningful debate take place. Absent from the media attention is comments by Moroz, Hryhoriy Nemyria and others who have a good understanding as to how a modern European democracy should work.

Personally I do not think the a direct elected presidnetial system will ever deliever good governance,

Right now I would tend to favour Yulia as head of state but only because I think she is the better choice of bad lot and would most likely deliver a better long term outcome.

If I could choose I would have nominated Hryhoriy Nemyria to be Ukraine’s head of state.

Yanukovych will soon abandon any notion of supporting a parliamentary democracy and along with that regression Ukraine will forsake any hope of becoming anything more then an associate member of the EU.

By UkrToday on Dec 12, 2009

Taras, your statement: “… Ukrainian politicians change constitutions based on what is good for themselves…” is not logically correct because it can be either true or false depending of both given political situation and politician as individual.
“true”: I agree that 2004 constitution has been “virus infected” (mainly by Moroz and because of weak-willed Yushchenko whose unfortunately the only desire was the presidential chair). Both yesterday Kuchma’s and today Yushchenko’s miserable affords in changing constitution prove this;
“false”: – firstly, if it’s clear that today constitution does not work for the good of majority – the word “good for themselves” cannot be applied to all of the politicians. The main question is if “the good for this or that politician” corresponds to the “good for society”.
And at last: why there is a lot of politologists (both in Ukraine and abroad) who are thinking that the “laws of society” is smth. like the “laws of nature”? The nonliving nature and society (life) are absolutely polar processes (even from the thermodynamical or informational point of view). If we have nothing to do but try to describe the nature processes in order to better accomodate to them and use for our good – the laws of society are nothing else than simply the set of rules accepted by members of society themselves. It’s pretty good when they are stable in time, but sorry, when it becomes absolutely clear for the most of the people that they are “infected” and are working in destructive way – what’s the good in stupid repeating of phrases like “Dura lex, sed lex”? I prefer another thought I’ve once found in MS Encarta:
“The people made the Constitution, and the people can unmake it. It is the creature of their own will, and lives only by their will.”
John Marshall (1755 – 1835) U.S. Supreme Court chief justice.

By Yuri_D on Dec 14, 2009

Yes I have noticed this fact. It is a sham because a parliamentary system would be best for Ukraine. Without it I do not think Ukraine will be a candidate for EU membership. The cause of then last five years of instability is without any doubt Yushchenko. Had he held true democratic values the existing constitution could have worked. (Although a preferred option would be to have a full parliamentary model which would resolve much of the ongoing power struggles). If anything Yushchenko has demonstrated the futility of the Presidential system.

YES a more workable Parliamentary party system would a desirable. This can best be achieved by implementing effective and reform based on effective principles of democratic representation. Local electorates each with 9 members each elected by a system of single transferable vote – proportional representation using the Meek method of counting is the most democratic open – One vote one value, equal representation.

If a senatorial system is required then the senate must be elected on national basis not based on unrepresentative regional/Oblast

Ukraine’s Constitution like that of the US can not be readily amended. It will require 2/3rd support of the elected parliament. A referendum is only required to give consent to proposed amendments to Chapters I, III, XIII. Any suggestion of imposing amendment by other means would amount to a unconstitutional coup which would be disastrous for Ukraine.

I think we need on the reality that Yanukovych will be elected President and ask ourselves do we want to see absolute power invested in the President and what can be done to ensure that the Parliament is fair and reflective of the diversity of Ukraine. If the system is not balanced then you can be assure that it will never allow for stable governance. Experiment Ukraine will falter.

Moroz was a hero and the only person who really understood how governments should work. He would have made a much better president then Yushchenko. BUT I stress again Ukraine must cease placing all its eggs in one basket and stop looking to one leader. It must take collective responsibility for its own future and development. A Parliament is the best vessel for democratic development

By UkrToday on Dec 15, 2009

Research and Branding have published their December poll.

This survey was a sample rate of 3,083 respondents with an estimated margin for error of 1.8%

Candidate

Dec

Nov

Oct

Monthly Swing

V.
Yanukovich

33.40%

32.40%

31.40%

1.0%

Y.
Timoshenko

16.60%

16.30%

18.40%

0.3%

S.Tigipko

7.40%

4.40%

3.60%

3.0%

A.
Yatsenyuk

6.70%

6.10%

8.90%

0.6%

V.
Litvin

4.10%

4.50%

2.30%

-0.4%

V.
Yuschenko

3.80%

3.50%

3.50%

0.3%

P.
Simonenko

3.40%

3.80%

3.50%

-0.4%

Others

Against
All

Undecided

Will not
vote

75.40%

71.00%

71.60%

Run-Off Ballot

Candidate

Dec

V.
Yanukovich

46.70%

Y.
Timoshenko

30.00%

Against
All

13.20%

Undecided

6.50%

Will not
vote

3.60%

100.00%

Voter Participation

Will certainly vote

65.80%

67.00%

55.90%

Will most likely vote

22.00%

19.70%

24.60%

Have not decided yet

7.80%

7.80%

10.10%

Will most unlikely vote

1.60%

2.70%

3.70%

Will certainly not vote

2.80%

2.80%

5.70%

This poll indicates a consolidation of votes (as expected) with the number of undecided decreasing. The participation rate of 87.8% if relatively high. With less then 30 days to go until the first ballot little change is expected in the outcome of the election.

By UkrToday on Dec 18, 2009

A further poll which has more detail was published on Kyiv Post

Its shows clearly the dissatisfaction with Yushchenko’s term of office.

http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/55401

By UkrToday on Dec 18, 2009