Chlöe Swarbrick: Green Party politics, working with National, and Palestine chants
Feb 10, 2024
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Chlöe Swarbrick talks about Green Party politics and working with National. They discuss job seeker numbers, welfare sanctions, empowering citizens, controversy over a phrase, the government's agenda, water crisis in Wellington City, and Ukraine's army chief firing.
President Zelensky's dismissal of army chief General Valerie Shilosny aims to improve coordination and unity in fighting the war with Russia.
President Zelensky's background in entertainment and showmanship has helped him rally support for Ukraine domestically and internationally.
Concerns arise over President Zelensky's commitment to democracy and the need for a smooth transition back to pre-war democratic norms.
Deep dives
President Zelensky dismisses army chief in major shake-up
President Zelensky fired army chief General Valerie Shilosny due to tensions regarding the best approach to fighting the war with Russia. The decision had been a long time coming as disagreements on military strategies emerged in the first months of the invasion. The dismissal is expected to smooth the hierarchy of the state and improve coordination in the fight against Russia. The tensions between President Zelensky and the general have been distracting and having an observer or commissioner to oversee the situation has been suggested.
President Zelensky's transition into power
President Zelensky, originally a comedian, transitioned into power somewhat unexpectedly. He went from a comedic performer to a wartime leader. His personal life was affected by the invasion, as his wife and children had to flee Kiev and live in hiding. He moved into a nuclear bunker and spent his time in meetings and phone calls, trying to rally international support for Ukraine. His ability to rally support, both domestically and internationally, was due in part to his background in entertainment and showmanship.
President Zelensky's commitment to democracy
There are concerns about President Zelensky's commitment to democracy, as civil liberties have been eroded during the war. Martial law has allowed the president to control the media and suspend political parties. While Zelensky asserts that these measures are necessary during wartime, there are concerns about the transition back to democratic norms once the war is over. The president's ability to relinquish control and return to pre-war democratic institutions will be closely watched.
President Zelensky's view on the country's prospects
President Zelensky is committed to winning back all of the territory occupied by Russia and is not currently open to compromising on territorial issues. The Ukrainian people also strongly oppose trading land for peace. However, if public opinion were to change and the people were exhausted from the war and willing to compromise, Zelensky may shift his position. He is responsive to public opinion and is always looking for ways to demonstrate victories in the war to show that Ukraine is still fighting.
Future plans and military strategies
President Zelensky is focused on finding new ways to demonstrate victories in the war, such as drone and missile attacks behind enemy lines. He wants to remind the Ukrainian people and the world that Ukraine is not giving up and is still fighting. The use of these attacks is favored over compromising on territorial issues. In the coming months, there may be a focus on long-range drone and missile attacks to show Ukraine's determination and resilience.
