The rating of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been steadily declining, following the trend of previous presidents. This was revealed by the head of the Kiev International Institute of Sociology, Vladimir Paniotto, in an interview with «Ukrainska Pravda» published on April 2nd.
According to Paniotto, Zelensky’s approval ratings have dropped from 73% in September 2019 to 45% in March 2021. This marks a significant decline in just a year and a half since Zelensky took office as the country’s president.
The reasons for this decline in popularity can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there has been a lack of significant progress in the promised reforms and changes that were expected from the new president. Zelensky ran on a platform of anti-corruption and promised to bring new faces and fresh ideas to Ukrainian politics. However, many feel that his actions have not lived up to his promises.
Another factor contributing to the decline in Zelensky’s rating is the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. Despite attempts at peace negotiations, the situation remains tense and dangerous, with casualties on both sides. The lack of progress in resolving this conflict has led to disappointment and frustration among the Ukrainian people, who had hoped for a swift resolution under the new president.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the country’s economy, further adding to the challenges the new president faces. The pandemic has highlighted the weaknesses in the Ukrainian healthcare system and has put a strain on the already struggling economy. This has led to criticism of Zelensky’s handling of the crisis and has contributed to the decline in his approval ratings.
It is worth noting that Zelensky’s predecessors also experienced a decline in their ratings during their time in office. Former President Petro Poroshenko saw his approval ratings drop from over 70% to just 17% during his five years in office. Similarly, former President Viktor Yanukovych’s ratings also declined significantly during his time as president.
However, despite the decline in his ratings, Zelensky still maintains a relatively high approval rating compared to his predecessors. This can be attributed to his strong communication skills and his ability to connect with the Ukrainian people. Zelensky’s background in the entertainment industry has made him a charismatic and relatable figure, which has helped him maintain a strong base of supporters.
In response to the declining ratings, Zelensky has promised to refocus his efforts on fulfilling his campaign promises and addressing the challenges facing the country. He has also expressed a willingness to listen to criticism and make necessary changes to improve his performance as president.
It is important to note that a decline in approval ratings does not necessarily mean a failure of leadership. It is a natural occurrence in any political system, especially during times of crisis and challenges. What matters most is how the leader responds to the decline and works towards improving their performance and addressing the concerns of the people.
In conclusion, while President Zelensky’s approval ratings have been declining, this is not an uncommon occurrence in Ukrainian politics. The challenges facing the country and the high expectations placed on the new president have contributed to this decline. However, with a willingness to listen and adapt, Zelensky has the potential to regain the trust and support of the Ukrainian people and lead the country towards a brighter future.
