And what do average Ukrainians think? (08/21/05)

And what do average Ukrainians think?

by Vladyslav Pavlov
Special to The Ukrainian Weekly

KYIV - Here's what average Ukrainians think of President Viktor Yushchenko's performance so far.

Alina Anisimova, 20, student, voted for Mr. Yushchenko:

Opinion: "Earlier, during the Orange Revolution, I thought Viktor Yushchenko was a cool guy. On one occasion, before he became president, I saw him buy an antique at a market. I liked that. Now my opinion of him has changed a little. It seems to me he's losing his grip on power."

Pluses: "He was able to lift the people up and show them what is freedom. But during his presidency I haven't noticed any positive changes."

Minuses: "I really don't like that he's given all his power to Yulia Tymoshenko. She's leading everyone, not Yushchenko."

Vitalii Nikytiuk, 77, pensioner, voted for Viktor Yanukovych:

Opinion: "I view Yushchenko's performance very negatively, and he's not fulfilling his promises."

Pluses: "I see nothing. No positive changes. Yushchenko has done nothing good for me."

Minuses: "Gasoline crisis. Everyone is feeling the rising gas prices."

Iryna Bohoslovska, 65, pensioner, voted for Mr. Yushchenko:

Opinion: "I associate Yushchenko with all that is good. I have noticed pensions rising. We have hope in him and believe in him."

Pluses: "I like the fact that Yushchenko doesn't occupy himself most with economic problems, but foreign affairs. He is lifting the image of Ukraine in the world. And he's fighting against crooks."

Negatives: "When they summon someone to the procurator general for a certain criminal charge, and imprison them for another. For example, [the case of] Kolesnykov.

Oleksii Okhrymenko, 25, unemployed, voted for Mr. Yushchenko:

Opinion: "I support Viktor Yushchenko in all his beginnings. He's cool."

Pluses: "He gave us freedom and freedom to do what we want."

Negatives: "The liquidation of the State Traffic Inspection (DAI). The level of traffic accidents doubled because nobody is controlling automobile traffic now."

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