Health Minister Viktor Lyashko commented on reports of his possible resignation as part of a government reshuffle, which, according to media sources, could take place this summer. During the discussion Medical Reform: Change to Survive, organised as part of the New Country project by LB.ua and EFI Group, he said that, as a team player, he works in a clear vertical structure, and if the decision is made, he will work in a different role.
Lyashko reminded that ministers are appointed by members of parliament, who also decide whether to dismiss them.
“When you take up the position of minister, first of all, you are elected by members of parliament, who give you a kind of indulgence and the opportunity to work. Okay, they elected us, appointed us, we work. They say we won’t work anymore – okay, we’ve been ready for that from day one. Because the position of minister is an elected position, and you have to perform your duties as required. Whether you want to work or not, I don’t think that’s a question for martial law. Perhaps a long time ago, I would not have wanted to work in the ministry in this position. But I can’t even ask myself that question,” the government official commented.
Lyashko believes that during martial law, many desires are limited by obligations.
“Therefore, this issue is not on my agenda, but I will say right away that I am a team player, I work in a clear hierarchy, and if a decision is made, we will work in a different role. And we will comply. This issue is not on my agenda, but I am a team player,” he added.
Government reshuffle: what is known so far
MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak has stated that the authorities are preparing a reshuffle of the government, including the prime minister. According to him, Viktor Lyashko “is losing his position. Who will replace him is unknown.”
Ukrayinska Pravda also reported on the preparation of changes in the government. According to journalists, there is no final decision on the dismissal of Viktor Lyashko or the choice of a likely successor within the president’s team.
There has been no official announcement regarding plans to replace the Cabinet. On 21 June, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that if he had a plan to dismiss Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, he would inform him first, not the journalists. He added: “I have not had any conversations with him.”
It is also important to recall that Article 10 of the Law On the Legal Regime of Martial Law states: “During the period of martial law, the powers of the President of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the National Bank of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, the Accounting Chamber, courts, prosecution authorities, bodies carrying out operational and investigative activities, pre-trial investigations, intelligence agencies and bodies whose units carry out counterintelligence activities.”
During martial law, the heads of individual ministries have been replaced, but not the entire government, including the prime minister.
Viktor Lyashko has headed the Ministry of Health since 2021.