RIA Novosti: Ukrainian Prime Minister Threatens to Reformat Parliament, Government

KIEV, July 4 (RIA Novosti) – Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk during a parliament session Friday threatened to change the format of the country’s parliament, government and coalition, if the majority continues not to support the legislative initiatives of the Cabinet of Ministers.

“I believe that it is very difficult for the government and parliament to work in this type of format,” Yatsenyuk said.

The prime minister said that if in the future the majority of the Verkhovna Rada, the country’s parliament, and the Cabinet of Ministers do not have the same view on working, then “there will be a change in the format in the country’s Verkhovna Rada, government, and coalition.”

Yatsenyuk also suggested the parliament’s coalition begin consultations on changing the format of the Cabinet of Ministers.

“I would like to publicly announce to the members of the coalition: I suggest starting the process of consultations on changing the format and enhancing the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers,” Yatsenyuk said.

Last month, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said he expects the parliament to vote to dissolve itself, adding that citizens of country want early parliamentary elections. The leader referred to polls indicating 80 percent of Ukrainians are demanding a realignment of power.

The Verkhovna Rada registered a draft resolution on voluntary dissolution and premature termination of powers, but it has not yet been put to a vote.