Ukraine PM’s coalition falls
The development means Tymoshenko will soon be out of office and spells the final repudiation of the Orange Revolution she helped lead in 2004.
Russia-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych defeated Tymoshenko in last month’s presidential vote, but she has been a thorn in his side ever since, refusing to resign and challenging the vote results.
Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn told parliament the ruling Orange coalition had been unable to prove it still had majority support in the 450-seat chamber.
“This coalition did not come up with enough votes… I therefore announce the termination of this coalition’s activity,” he said.
Ukraine’s political parties must now form a new majority coalition and are most likely to group around Yanukovych’s Party of Regions. He said if no majority can be reached he will disband parliament and call snap elections.
