The procedure for the resignation of Viktor Yushchenko's government, 2001

April 2001, Kyiv.

The video shows the process of Prime Minister Viktor Yushchenko’s government’s resignation. The Verkhovna Rada, the chamber, a sitting, the government’s gallery, MPs carrying boxes labelled ‘Signatures for Yushchenko’ and ‘People’s Movement of Ukraine’, a vote, the results board, Viktor Yushchenko’s speech from the podium, MPs conversing in the corridors of the Verkhovna Rada, Lilia Hryhorovych, an MP from the People’s Movement of Ukraine, attempts self-immolation, MPs block the podium, commentary by First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Viktor Medvedchuk, Petro Poroshenko speaking with MPs outside, commentary by Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Ivan Plyushch, photographs of Yulia Tymoshenko.

Background: On 17 April 2001, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine heard the report of Viktor Yushchenko’s government and deemed its work unsatisfactory.
On 19 April, parliament moved to consider the issue of the Cabinet of Ministers’ accountability, effectively initiating the procedure for its resignation.
On 26 April 2001, the Verkhovna Rada passed a vote of no confidence in the government, which, in accordance with the Constitution, led to its resignation.
Despite strong public support, the resignation of Viktor Yushchenko’s government was the result of a tactical alliance between left-wing forces, notably the Communists and Socialists, and certain pro-government and oligarchic groups in the Verkhovna Rada.