Ukrainian Parliament Rejects Prime Minister's Resignation

(Bloomberg) -- Ukraine’s parliament rejected the resignation of Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroisman as the country gears up for early elections in the summer.

Lawmakers in Kiev on Thursday gave only 97 votes in favor of his departure, well short of the 226 required. Hroisman stepped down shortly after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, took office this month. Zelenskiy, a TV comedian and political novice, has dissolved the legislature in a bid to consolidate power with his party leading polls.

“I accept any decision from the legislature,” said Hroisman, whose newly created party will compete in the snap elections. He’ll stay on as premier until a new government is formed.

Separately, Zelenskiy asked lawmakers to immediately consider dismissing the foreign minister, defense minister and head of the State Security Service. The presidential office said it’s also preparing “materials regarding the dismissal of Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko.”

No details of possible replacements were given.

--With assistance from Daryna Krasnolutska.

To contact the reporter on this story: Kateryna Choursina in Kiev at kchoursina@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Scott Rose at rrose10@bloomberg.net, Andrew Langley, Michael Winfrey

©2019 Bloomberg L.P.