Georgia’s Saakashvili eyes Ukraine political comeback

K I E V: Fo r m e r G e o r g i a n p r e s i d e n t M i k h e i l Saakashvili said Friday he wants to help steer Ukraine through an economic crisis as new deputy prime minister but his plans sparked controversy both in Kiev and his native Georgia. President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has vowed to secure Western investment and rid the country of corruption, has proposed appointing Saakashvili as deputy prime minister in charge of reforms after restoring his Ukrainian citizenship last year.

The candidacy of the 52-year-old - who also served as governor of a key Ukrainian region - must now be approved by parliament. “Ukraine is entering an economic storm. We have to make unconventional decisions in order to save the Ukrainian economy,” Saakashvili told reporters in Kiev. “The president has entrusted me with conducting negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. Ukraine needs much more aid than it is receiving now,” he added. Saakashvili said lawmakers were expected to vote on his appointment next Thursday.

New chapter Saakashvili’s appointment would come at a particularly difficult time for Ukraine, with observers warning that the shocks from the coronavirus pandemic may lead the country’s economy to shrink by up to 10 percent this year. Zelensky’s government has sought to unlock an $8 billion loan from the IMF and negotiate an end to a six-year separatist conflict.

Observers were divided over the politician’s return, with some saying he would be instrumental in helping Zelensky reform Ukraine, while others warning that a new Saakashvili stint would spell trouble. “I think he will eclipse everyone,” a senior government member said. Yegor Sobolev, a former lawmaker who closely worked with Saakashvili, said his “enormous political experience” could help rid the country of corruption and red tape.

“Most of state functions and institutions are in a catastrophic state so people like Saakashvili are needed,” he said. — AFP