Ukraine’s ruling Party of Regions and the Strong Ukraine party of deputy Prime Minister Sergei Tigipko merged shortly before the start of the country’s 2012 parliamentary election campaign.
The Party of Regions said it would seek cooperation with other political forces ahead of the October 28 parliamentary elections.
Former Central Banker Tigipko became a major player in Ukrainian politics after finishing third in the presidential elections. However, his approval rating dwindled amid unpopular social reforms, including social benefit cuts.
Tigipko, who is also the country’s social policy minister, was blamed for the unpopular reform by protestors, who rallied for several days in Kiev against a bill to cancel social benefits for some 10 million Ukrainians, including those involved in the clean-up operation following the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.
The recent surveys show that his Strong Ukraine party is yet unable to clear the 5% threshold. Current Ukrainian legislation prohibits blocs from running in polls.
At a congress on Saturday senior party members agreed to dismiss the party and join the ruling Party of Regions.
Tigipko received his party membership card from Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov.
“It’s better to put into practice all changes and reforms with the Party of Regions,” Tigipko said at a ceremony to sign a merger deal. “It is the best choice for building a stronger Ukraine, that’s why we are with you now.”
Ukrainian media say Tigipko may head the Party of Regions’ election headquarters at the forthcoming polls, but Azarov, who is also a Party of Regions leader, said the issue will be decided later.
