Tymoshenko Government - Positive Accomplishments

Ukraine's new government, headed by Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, has achieved many successes in its first several weeks in office. Accomplishments to date include:

Passed a revised 2008 budget
Trimmed lawmaker perks

Deputy pensions cut in half
Eliminated free transportation and lodging at exclusive health resorts
Stopped subsidies and compensation for apartments in Kyiv

Doubled government financing for Ukraine's cultural and arts institutions
Increased pensions, salaries and higher education stipends

In addition to the above achievements, the Tymoshenko government has even adopted a Yanukovych campaign promise for the government to pay parents of a third newborn child $10,000 ($2,455 for a first child,, and $5,000 for a second).

The new government is also expects increased revenues in 2008 by $11.5 billion. Tymoshenko claims to have found money hidden away by the previous government, headed by the Party of Regions' Viktor Yanukovych. These additional funds are to be allocated for roads, preparing for the Euro 2012 football championship, investment support for education and increased financing of science and cultural programs/institutions.

The government still has plenty of work to do. One outstanding campaign promise is the elimination of prosecutorial immunity for members of Parliament. Also, the 2008 budget anticipates inflation to remain at an unacceptable level of 16%. Reforms are also planned for the energy sector, with a bailout for the country's largest and most profitable company, energy producer Naftogaz. Tymoshenko has accused the Yanukovyuch government of favoring Russian energy by leaving Naftogaz close to bankruptcy. Tymoshenko wants Ukraine to regain control of its strategic energy sector.

Tymoshenko's new government has wasted no time getting to work and making a difference. Time will tell if they can continue these early successes and institute positive change throughout the country.