The Ukrainian parliament elected a new prime minister Thursday, after accepting Arseniy Yatsenyuk's resignation.
Lawmakers voted 250-57 in favor of President Petro Poroshenko’s nominee, Volodymyr Groysman, who had been the speaker of parliament. Andriy Parubiy replaced Groysman as speaker.
Addressing the chamber, the 38-year-old Groysman, a close ally of Poroshenko said there was a need to address problems in the country and to stay the course on European integration.
"We need to stop crises, we need to pursue a steady course on European integration and renew economic growth. We need to intensify reforms and to make responsible decisions together. I want to emphasize that as a prime minister of Ukraine, I'll do all my best for this government to be oriented on results and to make real achievements," Groysman said.
Analysts have expressed concern that the appointment of Groysman could result in Ukraine's political power being concentrated with Poroshenko and his inner circle.
The 41-year-old Yatsenyuk announced Sunday that he was quitting to end the country's political stalemate.
The government reshuffling gives Ukraine a chance to adopt new electoral, constitutional and judicial reforms, and to move toward joining the European Union and potentially NATO.
Yatsenyuk's Cabinet survived a no confidence vote in February, but two parties left the governing coalition. He has been blamed for Ukraine's worsening economy and the slow pace of reforms.
