Ukraine

The rapid transition to a market economy during the 1990’s had brutal consequences for the Ukrainian people. Much of the social security from the Soviet system disappeared, at the same time that inflation increases, incomes declined, and mass unemployment spread. The rule of law was corrupted, and opposition politicians, journalists and others were persecuted.  When state companies were privatised, oligarchs, individuals who were often connected to the former power elite, could take control over major parts of the country’s resources. The oligarchs also controlled politicians, or were politicians themselves, and it was their own profits rather than ideology that determined policies. Corruption and crime spread and respect for human rights suffered.
Ukraine and Ukrainian politics went through a new upheaval with the so-called Orange Revolution when Viktor Yushchenko became president in January 2005.
The revolution created great expectations, but after a few years it became obvious that democratic development had stalled. Some of the previous leadership also returned to power. The most important changes endured, however, and the parliamentary elections that were held in 2006 were approved by international election observers. So it was to a transformed political arena that former prime minister Viktor Yanukovych returned to as prime minister after the 2006 elections, after drawn-out negotiations on forming a government.
To some extent the revolution has increased the divisions in the country. The eastern industrialised section is close to Russia in many ways and can be described as Moscow-friendly. Much of the population there have found it difficult to accept the changes, and there are political forces which seek to use this dissatisfaction to spread unrest. The cultural and linguistic proximity to Russia also means that a large part of the population is sceptical to closer relations with the EU.
Analysis
Ukraine has a weak democratic tradition. During the Communist people learned to not question authority. Fear of reprisals has hindered the growth of a healthy civil society. There are, however, many individual organisations and political parties and if civil society has a weak position it nevertheless plays an important role in influencing those in power, changing attitudes, and contributing to popular education.
Even if the oligarchs grip on society has eased somewhat after the revolution they are still very influential, in both business and politics, as well as organised crime. Free and strong trade unions have a hard time developing, as they are obviously opposed by the oligarchs.
The gaps in society are enormous. The gross national product is far lower than in other poor countries, like Bosnia, Albania, and Belarus, and most of the population lives under the subsistence level.
Unemployment is extensive, abuse of alcohol and drugs is widespread, and the high mortality rate means that the population is currently shrinking. Organised crime is rife, based mostly on narcotics smuggling and human trafficking.
Ukraine has one of the world’s highest infection rates for HIV/AIDS. Poverty combined with a rapid increase in injection drug addicts, often financed by prostitution, has created an epidemic which is out of control.
Discrimination against women is widespread, even if is illegal. Despite the political changes power lies almost exclusively with men, and they have shown little interest in the issue.
Development Co-operation
The Palme Center’s activities in Ukraine have been limited because of the weak position of civil society. Corruption has destabilised the political climate. Since the 2004 presidential elections, interest in Ukraine has increased among many of the Palme Center’s member organisations, and there is a strong desire to increase involvement.
The Palme Center has two popular education projects which are aimed at giving people the tools to contribute to social development. Through knowledge and education opportunities to influence society are strengthened.
Co-operative solutions and popular education played a decisive role in Sweden’s early democratic development, and there are similar needs in Ukraine. The Swedish Co-operative Union’s partner in Ukraine is UKOOPSPILKA, the General Union of Consumer Societies of Ukraine, which works to strengthen the co-operative movement in the country.