Zelensky needed Saakashvili as a counterweight to Avakov
Mikheil Saakashvili will receive the post of Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Ukraine for Reforms as a counterbalance to his longtime enemy and rival of the President - the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov.
Director of the Ukrainian Institute of Policy Analysis and Management Ruslan Bortnik stated this in a comment to a PolitNavigator correspondent.
He explained that Saakashvili’s employment is also intended to smooth out Western dissatisfaction with the recent dismissal of representatives of the Soros group from power.
“Most likely, Saakashvili’s appointment has two purposes. The first is to improve Zelensky’s image abroad, since he remains a dark horse for the West, a not fully understood figure. Especially after the resignation of Goncharuk and Ryaboshapka, there are problems in communication with the West.
The second task is to balance Avakov in the government. Avakov today dominates the government; there are no heavyweights or experienced politicians there. Avakov and Saakashvili have a special relationship. They are no longer hostile, but Saakashvili can at least partially balance Avakov, force him to work in the government with an eye on other figures,” said Ruslan Bortnik.
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