On Dec. 24, President Viktor Yanukovych reshuffled the government with 10 out of 21 ministers staying, including Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, with others changing positions in the Cabinet. The new government strengthens “The Family,” a loose grouping of people believed to be close to Oleksandr Yanukovych, the president’s elder son. Many in this informal group hail from from the country’s east, including Donetsk Oblast, where the president served as governor.
Billionaire Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine’s richest man and until recently a lawmaker in the pro-presidential Party of Regions, also seems to have strengthened his powers in the new lineup.
Yanukovych also restored the position of Minister of the Cabinet, or minister without portfolio, by appointing loyalist Olena Lukash to the seat. The position existed during President Viktor Yushchenko’s tenure, but was later cancelled. Yanukovych also created a new Ministry of Revenues and Duties, which is run by Oleksandr Klymenko who previously chaired the country’s Tax Administration.
The so-called “gas lobby,” which includes officials believed to be close to billionaire Dmytro Firtash, is also represented. The president has yet to appoint the industrial policy minister.
