A new circle of potential competitors to President Volodymyr Zelensky is forming in Ukrainian politics, and most of them are connected to the current government. This conclusion was voiced by People's Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak, analyzing sociological data and political processes.
Zelensky's competitors: who can claim the presidency
According to Zheleznyak, after 2022, the public demand for presidential candidates has changed. Voters expect not media personalities, but people with specific experience.
Among the key requirements for a potential candidate:
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age approximately from 35 to 55 years
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military experience
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experience in public administration or diplomacy
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absence of corruption scandals
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clear vision of the country's development after the war.
According to the deputy, only a limited circle of individuals currently fits these criteria. He names Valeriy Zaluzhny as the most obvious competitor, who has both military and diplomatic experience.
Also appearing in focus groups are:
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Mykhailo Fedorov.
However, Fedorov, according to Zheleznyak, may not even consider presidential ambitions for himself, but he formally meets voter expectations.
Political struggle in Ukraine: how the government responds to competitors
Zheleznyak points out the change in the government's approach to potential competitors. If previously they tried to openly weaken them, now the strategy has become more flexible.
He gives examples:
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previously they attempted to publicly discredit competitors
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now they are more often integrated into the government and given responsible positions
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successes are associated with the president, while risks are linked to the executors
According to the deputy, such tactics allow for the control of potential rivals while also not increasing their popularity through conflicts.
He specifically notes that after changes in the President's Office, this strategy has become less aggressive and more hidden.
Zheleznyak believes that the current political competition is already forming, even if elections do not occur in the near term. Understanding this logic helps to explain many personnel decisions and public statements in power.
It is worth noting that after the end or cancellation of martial law in Ukraine, the presidential election process must start no later than six months.