Democratic drift?
Share
President Victor Yanukovych yesterday called for Ukraine's constitution to be overhauled - handing more power to himself. Critics warn he is taking the country down an increasingly authoritarian path and say this sits uncomfortably with his stated desire for closer integration with the EU.
Speaking in Kiev at Ukraine's Independence Day celebrations yesterday Mr Yanukovych said that the balance of power in the country must change in order for it to progress.
He wants to reclaim the powers handed to parliament after the 2004 Orange Revolution deposed his former mentor President Kuchma, saying that the country desperately needs him to be able to force through vital economic reforms.
The opposition are not convinced and, pointing to recent tightening of election legislation and complaints about media freedom, accuse the president of steering the country closer to the authoritarian system seen in neighbouring Russia.
But, while this trend would fit with the general perception of Mr Yanukovych as a pro-Russian politician, our Kiev correspondent Dariya Merkusheva says things are not so cut and dried.
She points out that in the same speech yesterday Mr Yanukovych insisted that European integration remains his priority - a recurring theme in his speeches since his election at the beginning of the year.
An association agreement with the EU, granting free trade and visa-free travel, is still in the pipeline, although those worried by the president's push for more power are calling for Europe to sit up and take notice of the possible drift away from democracy.
