Verkhovna Rada gives green light to new Cabinet

On March 11, the Verkhovna Rada approved a new line-up for the Cabinet of Ministers. A total of 240 deputies voted in favor of the 353 registered in the legislature at the time.

Earlier, the Rada approved Mykola Azarov as Premier of Ukraine, with 242 deputies voting in favor. In addition, the Rada appointed Kostiantyn Hryshchenko Minister of Foreign Affairs.

As announced on March 11, VR Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn announced the establishment of a new ruling coalition called “Stability and Reforms.”

Newly-designated Deputy Premier Volodymyr Semynozenko told journalists on Thursday that one of the first steps of the new Cabinet of Ministers would be to reduce the salaries of the Members of Government.  “The Cabinet of Ministers will follow the example set by the President of Ukraine and reduce salaries,” he said.

The coalition consists of the Party of the Regions, the Communist Party of Ukraine, the Volodymyr Lytvyn Bloc, and a number of deputies who have left their factions. The coalition currently has more than 235 deputies. A simple majority is 226.