The extremely complicated political situation in Ukraine may claim semi-presidentialism as its victim. Ukrainian Journal reports that Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and former prime minister, Viktor Yanukovych, leader of the opposition Party of the Regions, are pursuing negotiations to form a new government. Together, they would enjoy a substantial majority in the legislature.

One of the items being discussed is the idea that Tymoshenko would remain in power until 2012, while Yanukovych would be elected as president by parliament following a constitutional amendment next year. Needless to say, President Viktor Yushchenko opposes the reform, though he may be powerless to prevent it. He may still wish to dissolve parliament to try to return a legislature more favourable to him. However, he remains unpopular and there is no guarantee that fresh elections would significantly alter the parliamentary arithmetic.