There are no bounds to Yushchenko’s skills as a leader as he along with Ukraine are the Clear winners.
The MSM is still floating the absurd notion of a “victory” for Moscow but they are apparently confused with the country to the north.
No, a “Moscow” victory would have been replete with dioxin, multiple shot suicides, and other sovietesque anomolies.
This election was a win for Yushchenko as his stated goal in the first term was to build a nation, and this jackboot-free election is the first significant act of a free and united nation. Is this a small accomplishment for Yushchenko? Not at all given economic problems he inherited from a country that was paralyzed for 3 months during the last elections. Also consider his very proficient defense against the economic Cold War the Kremlin waged in retribution during the last 12 mos. We all heard about the shut down of gas exports but there were also battles waged to stop Ukrainian exports of goods.
Also, the Sich commented on the curious absence of campaigning by Yushchenko and this obviously was reflected in his party’s election results.
But perhaps the reason is now apparent. This election could not hurt Yushchenko – his Presidency was not on the line. However, campaigning against Tymo on one side and Yanukovych on the other side would have worked against the next goal of Yushchenko and that is to build a strong economy with a Grand Coalition
Now that a nation has been built with people realizing they ARE not an appendage of the Kremlin, Yushchenko needs to attract foreign investment with very Orange themes of transparency. He also needs to get the cooperation of the industrial stronghold of Yanukovych. Economic growth will float all ships if only because so very little is needed to vastly improve per capita income.
There are NO coalitions without Yushchenko and he looks destined to carry Ukraine on its overdue entry into the modern world.
UPDATE: Publius Pundit has a nice rundown and don’t miss this seperating of the wheat from the chaff. (It always helps to read the comments section.)
UPDATE: Now that Yush has built a nation, more evidence that the prime directive is to build the economy – (Tymo Beware!) Plus, more comments at Leopolis on biased Main Stream Media coverage.
UPDATE: The Mozambique Sich checks in from the African Continent with beaucoup moodry coverage.
The Our Ukraine political council voted to establish an orange coalition. A memorandum was signed by the socialists and Nasha. The only sticking point is Yulia as PM. Bezsmertny opened the possibility for individual Regions deputies to join the coalition. I see this as the optimal solution going forward. I understand the argument for a Grand Coalition, but I believe Ukraine will remain Orange. Consolidation will be a slow and organic process.
OEC
Thanks, Cyber Cossack, for the plug! I now have put up my analysis of the complete results.
http://fruitsandvotes.com/?p=661
I agree with One Eyed Cat, above, about the best way for Our Ukraine to deal with Regions deputies. Ultimately, the east’s representatitves have to brought in, but they should not be brought in as a Yanukovych-supporting bloc. Moreover, it is highly likely that deputies elected on his ticket will begin to reconsider their allegiance to him now that he has failed to deliver them back to power. (Assuming no “grand coalition,” that is.)
The final tally has a 243-207 majority for an Orange Coalition. Hopefully, Yushchenko will heeld the will of Our Ukraine party leaders and the Ukrainian people.
OEC
PS Great blog, Matthew