Oleg Sukhov: Reformer and anti-reformer of the week

By Oleg Sukhov.

Published May 6, 2016 at 12:23 am

Ex-Luhansk Oblast Governor Georgy Tuka (left) and his successor Yury Harbuz.

Photo by KP

Georgy Tuka

Georgy Tuka was dismissed as governor of Luhansk Oblast and appointed a deputy minister for the occupied territories on April 29.
Before his stint as governor, Tuka was one of Ukraine’s most respected volunteers helping the army. He launched efforts to cleanse the regional administration from corrupt officials linked to ex-President Viktor Yanukovych’s regime.
Critics attribute his dismissal to his outspoken criticism of ex-Yanukovych allies and planned elections in the Russian-occupied territories.
They argue that Tuka’s dismissal is part of the nationwide crackdown on reformers and opponents of concessions to the Kremlin.

Yury Harbuz

Yury Harbuz, a lawmaker from the Bloc of President Petro Poroshenko, was appointed governor of Luhansk Oblast on April 29.
The Civic Lustration Committee says that Poroshenko violated the lustration law by appointing Harbuz, who was head of Milove district under ex-President Viktor Yanukovych. The law envisages firing top officials linked to Yanukovych.
Critics of Harbuz say he has pro-Russian views and have published video footage with Harbuz saying in 2009 that Russians and Ukrainians are “one people.” He has taken part in Luhansk Oblast’s Cossack movement, which is tied to Russian Cossacks. Harbuz denies the accusations.