Lutsenko Considers Creating New Party

Ukraine's Interior Minister Yuri Lutsenko said that "People's Self-Defense" plans to hold a conference in late spring where it may announce the formation of a new political party. Lutsenko feels that the country currently has a two-party system between the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc (BYut) and the Party of Regions, but needs a third powerful political force.

This new party may be formed on the base of "People's Self-Defense," but will be a place for anyone who believes in the ideals of the Orange Revolution. Lutsenko noted that there would be a place in the new party for representatives of Our Ukraine and other democratic forces. Lutsenko said, "I would like to see "Our Ukrainians" who do not have a trace of business interests and betrayal. I would also like to see Vitaly Klichko in this force. Doors are also opened for those politicians who feel uncomfortable in BYut or the Party of Regions."

Lutsenko made it clear that if this new force is created, it will not be an alternative for BYuT and Our Ukraine. He wants all democratic groups to be partners, but the new group is necessary to act as a critic and restrictor to the actions of leaders in the existing parties.

I've said it before - Ukrainian politics is never boring. This is an interesting idea, but also highlights the troubles that exist between the democratic parties. Throughout most of his presidency, Viktor Yushchenko has proven to be weak, while new Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko is too overbearing and lacks diplomacy.

This continued instability within the democratic forces must be cause for great concern amongst Ukrainian citizens. I hope the democratic forces can get their acts together soon, before the people decide it would be better to return to the ways of the old regime - corrupt and self-serving, but definitely more stable.