Motion of censure to the Government of Ukraine is rejected by Parliament

Demonstrators in Ukraine

Despite several street protests, the opposition in Ukraine could not get today the approval of a motion of no confidence in the Government, which was supported only by 186 members of the Parliament, 40 less than the majority needed for approval.

The opposition called the vote in protest against the decision of President Viktor Yanukovich to abandon  the signing of a free trade agreement with the European Union, as well as for the violent tactics used by the police to disperse protesters who criticized that decision.

Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, who gave was present at the parliamentary session with his Cabinet, apologized for the violence of the police, but defended the actions taken by the Government and criticized protesters who  blocked access to government offices.

“These actions are not the path towards European integration, but to a dictatorship,” said Azarov, banging the table with his fist, while the opposition booed him.

These disputes have led  around 30 000 demonstrators to take Kiev streets,  in the greatest demonstration of public outrage in the country since the Orange Revolution of 2004.