Zelensky Could Face Tough Re-election Prospects, Polls Show
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may be facing a tough road to re-election, according to recent polls. Despite a strong start to his presidency, Zelensky’s approval ratings have been on the decline in recent months, with many Ukrainians expressing dissatisfaction with his handling of key issues such as the economy and corruption.
A recent poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) found that only 36% of Ukrainians approve of Zelensky’s performance as president, down from a high of 57% in early 2020. Another poll conducted by the Rating Group found that only 30% of Ukrainians would vote to re-elect Zelensky in the next presidential election, compared to 46% who would not.
One of the main reasons for Zelensky’s declining popularity is the state of the Ukrainian economy. The country has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with GDP contracting by 7.5% in 2020. Many Ukrainians are struggling to make ends meet, and there is a widespread perception that Zelensky has not done enough to address the economic challenges facing the country.
Another major issue is corruption. Despite Zelensky’s promises to clean up the country’s notoriously corrupt political system, many Ukrainians believe that little progress has been made in this area. Several high-profile corruption scandals involving members of Zelensky’s own team have further eroded public trust in the president.
Zelensky’s handling of the conflict in eastern Ukraine is also a point of contention. While he has made some progress in negotiating a ceasefire with Russia-backed separatists, many Ukrainians feel that he has not been tough enough in standing up to Russian aggression.
Despite these challenges, Zelensky still has time to turn things around before the next presidential election, which is scheduled for 2024. He could focus on implementing more effective economic policies, cracking down on corruption, and taking a stronger stance on the conflict in eastern Ukraine. However, if he fails to address these issues, he could face an uphill battle in his bid for re-election.
Overall, the polls show that Zelensky’s re-election prospects are far from certain. While he was initially hailed as a fresh face in Ukrainian politics, his popularity has waned as he has struggled to deliver on his promises. It remains to be seen whether he can regain the trust of the Ukrainian people before the next election.