Ukrainian government sacked in corruption scandal

The president of Ukraine has sacked his entire government as a corruption scandal shakes the country. The political crisis had already led to three top resignations since the weekend, after an outgoing presidential aide complained of bribery and fraud in the administration.

President Viktor Yushchenko has called on a regional governor to form a new government. He told a media conference he was setting the new team one task: the ability to work as one. “The old team has lost its spirit,” he said. He said he had to “halt the disappointment in society and make sure peoples ideals are not cast into doubt”. The scandal came as a blow to a president whose young administration was just starting to restore stability after months of conflict and uncertainty. Ukraine’s leadership was the result of an accord struck between centrist, leftist and nationalist politicians, but there was often tension between the different camps. Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko was a high-profile figure in the so-called Orange revolution that brought Yushchenko to power. Mass protest forced officials to overturn his election defeat. One of his main pledges was to end corruption.

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