Ukraine in crisis: coalition loses ruling majority

Ukraine is bracing itself for a new wave of political turmoil after the government coalition lost its ruling majority through the resignation of two of its MPs.

It could lead to parliament's dismissal and yet another election – its fourth in a turbulent five years.

Ukrainian parliament deputy Yury Bout’s decision to quit, together with another colleague, has sparked the crisis and overturned the coalition's slim majority.

Explaining his reasons for leaving, Bout said: “I want to save my country from the disasters that the coalition is pushing it towards, with its fake promises. My patience has run out. The parliament is practically paralysed, and no work is being done.”

According to Ukraine's constitution, the governing coalition will lose its mandate if the number of its deputies falls below 226. As of today, it is one man short and has just a month to find a replacement to join its ranks. Otherwise, the parliament could be dismissed.
 
Bout added: “In civilised countries, like Italy, when the parliament's coalitions have broken down, and their work is non-existent, they have the courage and decency to resign. I'm sure this won't happen in Ukraine. But I believe most of the deputies will initiate the parliament's resignation. So they will be forced to leave, and a new government shall be formed, together with a new coalition.”
 
His colleagues, however, are dismissing the suggestion, Bout said.

Coalition members are trying to allay concerns saying only a defection of a party would cause its break-up.

Andrey Paruby, of Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defence Bloc, said: “This is simply a political move. But this won’t affect the coalition. Because it’s formed by parties, not people. Still, there aren’t enough votes to make decisions because of this. We're working on this issue. And I believe it will all be resolved soon, and the Rada [Ukrainian Parliament] will just get back to work.”

But while the leading powers in the Ukrainian Parliament talk, their opponents are taking the issue to court.
 
Anna German, Party of Regions, said: “Deputies from the Party of Regions have taken the case to the Ukrainian Constitutional court and the court will rule whether there is a coalition or not. We look at the facts. According to the recent voting there is no coalition as it is not even capable of passing a bill.”

The parliament has just a month before deputies take their summer holidays.