'Orange' Leader Set to Become Ukrainian PM

Tymoshenko wins ex-rival's nod for job she lost in 2004

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 7, 2007 11:50 AM CST

(Newser) – Two months after Ukraine's parliamentary elections and 3 years after she was sacked from the same job, Yulia Tymoshenko is expected to become prime minister on Tuesday, Reuters reports. Although a Russia-aligned party won the most seats in October's polling, the two pro-Western "Orange" parties form a larger, if contentious, bloc. If she can hold her fragile coalition together, Tymoshenko is set to return to power.

Victor Yushchenko, the president of Ukraine, was an ally of Tymoshenko during the Orange Revolution that brought them to power. But after 8 turbulent months he fired her, and Tymoshenko founded her own party. The two reconciled before the October elections, in which their two parties won a two-seat majority in parliament.

Orange Revolution heroine Yulia Tymoshenko, speaks with acting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who is nominated as parliament speaker by the majority coalition, in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainian... (Associated Press)

Orange Revolution heroine Yulia Tymoshenko is seen in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainian Parliament, Kiev, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007. Tymoshenko is one of the most polarizing figures in Ukraine, adored by her... (Associated Press)

Orange Revolution heroine Yulia Tymoshenko reacts electing the speaker in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainian Parliament, Kiev, Tuesday, Dec.4, 2007. Acting Foreign Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, a nominee for... (Associated Press)

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'Orange' Leader Set to Become Ukrainian PM

Tymoshenko wins ex-rival's nod for job she lost in 2004

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'Orange' Leader Set to Become Ukrainian PM

Tymoshenko wins ex-rival's nod for job she lost in 2004

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Ukraine • Viktor Yushchenko • Yulia Tymoshenko • Orange Revolution

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[ By Views ]

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Ukrainian Prez and PM Bicker as Kiev Burns

Nation nears financial default, so why not call an election?

Ukraine Prez Calls Snap Vote

President dissolves Parliament after pro-West rivals turn on each other

Ukraine Faces Early Election as Coalition Falls

Feuding between pro-Western leaders leads to collapse

Tymoshenko Elected Ukraine PM

On second try, Orange Revolution leader wins ballot by a whisker

Tymoshenko Falls Short in Ukraine PM Bid

Orange leader accuses rivals of foul play after losing by 1 vote

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