**Ukraine’s Parliament Set to Dismiss Government Amid Cabinet Reshuffle**
The Ukrainian parliament is on track to vote on the dismissal of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal’s government on July 16, according to sources close to the parliament. This move comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky initiates a cabinet reshuffle, with Yuliia Svyrydenko, the first deputy prime minister and economy minister, set to take over as the new head of the government.
**Background on the Reshuffle**
President Zelensky signaled that Shmyhal might be appointed the new defense minister, while Rustem Umerov, who currently heads the Defense Ministry, could become the ambassador to the United States. This move has been in the works for some time, with rumors about replacing Shmyhal circulating since last summer.
**Key Priorities Outlined by Zelensky**
During a meeting with Svyrydenko and Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on July 15, President Zelensky outlined the new government’s key priorities for the next six months. These include increasing domestic weapons production in Ukraine, fully contracting required volumes of all types of drones for Ukraine’s Defense Forces, carrying out substantial deregulation, unlocking internal economic potential, and ensuring full implementation of social support programs.
**The Path to a New Government**
For Svyrydenko to become the next prime minister, Shmyhal must formally submit his resignation to parliament. The parliament will then vote on the issue, with Zelensky’s Servant of the People party controlling a majority of seats and expected to support the president’s decision swiftly. If the parliament supports Shmyhal’s resignation, the government resigns, and lawmakers have up to 30 days to vote on the next prime minister.
**Commentary**
The reshuffle marks a significant development in Ukraine’s politics, with President Zelensky aiming to inject new energy into the government. The new priorities outlined by Zelensky are aimed at addressing pressing issues, including defense and economic matters. As Ukraine continues to face challenges from Russia, it remains to be seen how effective this reshuffle will be in driving positive change.
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