Viktor Yanukovych - Political Life
Biography of Ukrainian Politician and Party of Regions Leader
A profile of the man who rose out of the transportation sector to become a preeminent political figure, Ukraine's two-time Prime Minister, and 2010 presidential hopeful.
Viktor Yanukovych has risen from a career in transportation to Prime Minister of Ukraine and life as a key figure in Ukrainian politics. His detractors have accused him of being linked to corruption and organized crime, having a secret relationship with the KGB, and even the dioxin poisoning of Viktor Yushchenko in the 2004 presidential election. Despite these accusations, Yanukovych remains firm in his desire to lead Ukraine into the future.
Early Political Appointments
Yanukovych's political career began in August 1996 when President Leonid Kuchma named Viktor as Deputy Chairman, and later Vice-Chariman of the Donetsk Regional State Administration. It is assumed that Yanukovych was given these appointments in an attempt by Kuchma to gain support in the country’s Donetsk region. Yanukovych was known to be close to Rinat Akhmetov and other members of the Clan of Donetsk, a group of influential businessmen reputed to be involved in organized crime and wielding true power in the area.
In 1997, Viktor became the Chairman of the Donetsk Regional State Administration (Governor). From May 1999 through May 2001, while still Chairman of the Administration, Yanukovych also held the position as a deputy and later Chairman of the Donetsk Oblast Rada (Council).
First-Time Ukrainian Prime Minister
On November 21, 2002, President Kuchma appointed Yanukovych as Prime Minister of Ukraine. I just over two years in office, Viktor implemented a series of political and economic reforms that lead to annual growth in Ukraine’s gross domestic product (GDP) of over 100% each year.
2004 Ukrainian Election Controversy
On July 4, 2004, Viktor was nominated by the Party of Regions as a presidential candidate. After the initial vote in November, Yanukovych was declared the winner. International observers and Viktor Yushchenko, former Prime Minister and leader of the opposition, charged that the election was fixed. Allegations included media bias, voter intimidation, and even the dioxin poisoning of Yushchenko during the campaign. Following a series of mass protests known as the Orange Revolution, a new vote was held on December 26 with Yushchenko named as the winner.
Leading the Party of Regions as Prime Minister
After losing the election, Viktor assumed leadership of the Party of Regions. In August 2006, Yanukovych ascended to the position of Prime Minister for a second time after President Yushchenko dismissed Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Yanukovych and Yushchenko continuously disagree about how to run the country and frequently clash.
With a special parliamentary election due in September 2006, Yanukovych is working hard to gain support for the Party of Regions. After the conclusion of this campaign, Viktor will mostly likely turn his attention to becoming a candidate for the January 2010 presidential elections.
Cross Reference
Viktor Yanukovych: Pre-political life
References
Government Portal: Prime Minister of Ukraine.
Kupchinsky, Roman. “Analysis: The clan from Donetsk.” Ukrainian Weekly. January 12, 2003.
Leader of the Party of Regions. Party of Regions Official Website.
Viktor Yanukovych - Personal Information Server.
