Event: The Ukrainian government has redistributed the responsibilities of former Vice Prime Minister Volodymyr Semynozhenko, who was sacked July 2, Interfax reported. According to the decision, the areas formerly under Semynozhenko’s influence including scientific, technical and innovative policy, issues of intellectual property, humanitarian assistance, issues of illegal drug trafficking, health care, social policy and education will be divided among the remaining six Vice Prime Ministers and Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Anatoliy Tolstoukhov.

Impact: The news is neutral for Ukraine.

Rationale: The decision to eliminate Semynozhenko’s position rather than appoint a new seventh Vice Prime Minister was expected based on statements made earlier this month by Prime Minister Azarov. The move is representative of the Party of Regions’ plan to streamline Ukraine’s immense bureaucracies. Vice Prime Minister Borys Kolesnikov has stated that the government plans to slash the Cabinet of Ministers’ staff by 50%.

Tags: Politics