Svoboda party – the new phenomenon on the Ukrainian right-wing scene
Svoboda party – the new phenomenon on the Ukrainian right-wing scene

Author(s): Tadeusz A. Olszański
Subject(s): Governance, Government/Political systems
Published by: OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia
Keywords: Svoboda party; Ukraine; right-wing
Summary/Abstract: Even though the national-level political scene in Ukraine is dominated by the Party of Regions, the west of the country has seen a progressing increase in the activity of the Svoboda (Freedom) party, a group that combines participation in the democratically elected local government of Eastern Galicia with street actions, characteristic of anti-system groups. This party has brought a new quality to the Ukrainian nationalist movement, as it refers to the rhetoric of European anti-liberal and neo-nationalist movements, and its emergence is a clear response to public demand for a group of this sort. The increase in its popularity plays into the hands of the Party of Regions, which is seeking to weaken the more moderate opposition parties (mainly the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc). However, Svoboda retains its independence from the ruling camp. This party, in all likelihood, will become a permanent and important player in Ukrainian political life, although its influence may be restricted to Eastern Galicia.

• Details
• Contents