The faction of the ruling Servant of the People Party in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has endorsed candidates for three ministerial positions.
Chairman of the faction David Arakhamia announced this at a briefing after a faction meeting, an UNIAN correspondent reported.
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In particular, Oleksandr Kubrakov's candidacy has been proposed for the infrastructure minister's position, Oleksiy Lyubchenko has been nominated for the post of Ukraine's minister for development of economy, trade and agriculture, while Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko may become head of the Health Ministry.
"The question was the change of three ministers. Kubrakov's candidacy was endorsed for the infrastructure minister's [post] to replace [Vladyslav] Kryklii, and Lyubchenko's candidacy [is designed] to replace Economy Minister [Ihor] Petrashko. It must be noted Lyubchenko is a nominee for Economy Minister and First Deputy Prime Minister," Arakhamia said.
He also added that Liashko was proposed "instead of [Maksym] Stepanov."
Lyubchenko presently heads the State Tax Service of Ukraine, while Kubrakov is Ukravtodor's chief.
Arakhamia predicts that the Verkhovna Rada may consider the appointment of the three new ministers on Thursday, May 20.
"There is a procedural question if tomorrow we have an extraordinary meeting where we dismiss three ministers ... Regarding Stepanov, because he is not voluntarily leaving his post, then there is a slightly different procedure: first is [his] dismissal, then a nomination by the faction, then a motion by the Verkhovna Rada's chairman, and then a vote. We expect that on Thursday or so, there will be an appointment of all three new ministers, "Arakhamia added.
Government reshuffle: Previous developments
- On May 14, 2021, Ihor Petrashko and Vladyslav Kryklii – ministers of economy and infrastructure, respectively, filed resignation letters for approval by parliamentarians.
- On the same day, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal submitted a motion to dismiss Health Minister Maksym Stepanov. However, Stepanov said, in turn, he was not going to resign.
- On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, the Cabinet reshuffle is scheduled to be considered at the Verkhovna Rada's special meeting.
