"Kiev legislators brawl over austerity pitch" by Associated Press | September 8, 2010
KIEV — Lawmakers threw punches in Ukraine’s Parliament yesterday over a government-imposed gas price hike and retirement age increase, while thousands of protesters rallied outside against the austerity measures.
Legislators from opposition parties tried to seize control of the podium but were wrestled back by pro-government lawmakers in a brief exchange of kicks and punches during the first session after a summer recess.
The opposition has criticized President Viktor Yanukovych’s government for doubling gas prices for households and raising the women’s retirement age from 55 to 60. The men’s pension age remains unchanged at 60.
Both moves were key conditions of the International Monetary Fund to approve a $15 billion crisis loan in the summer.
So even when you vote for change it really doesn't matter: all governments are beholden to banks.
In a brief address to the Parliament, Yanukovych said he does not care if lawmakers belonged to the majority or the opposition. “I would like common sense to outweigh emotions and political passion in the session hall,’’ he said.
During yesterday’s session, Yanukovych’s supporters blocked the opposition’s attempts to freeze the price hikes and the pension age raise.
Former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who narrowly lost February’s presidential election to Yanukovych, promised some 6,000 supporters gathered outside Parliament that her party will continue the fight.She LIVES!
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