The Intelligence from The Economist Servant’s entrance: Ukraine’s elections
Jul 19, 2019
In a captivating discussion, Noah Snyder, who covers Ukraine for The Economist, explores the transformative political landscape shaped by President Volodymyr Zelensky and his party's election prospects against entrenched oligarchs. He highlights how public perception and media influence governance in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Michael Reed reminisces about João Gilberto, the father of Bossa Nova, and the cultural renaissance in Brazil, connecting musical innovation of the 1960s to today's political climate. It's a deep dive into politics, music, and everything in between.
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Life Imitates Art
- Volodymyr Zelensky, a comedian, won Ukraine's presidential election, mirroring his TV show, "Servant of the People".
- His party is expected to do well in parliamentary elections, which he needs to fulfill his promises of change.
Zelensky's Power Play
- In Ukraine, the president has limited powers, and most governing powers reside with the parliament.
- Zelensky dissolved parliament and called for early elections to gain more control.
Oligarch Influence
- Ukrainians hope Zelensky will reduce oligarch influence, but his ties to oligarch Igor Kolomoisky raise concerns.
- His party's candidate list includes reformers, old associates, and people with questionable ties.