In the West and in the presidential party, discontent is growing over Zelensky’s “monopolization of power” – Politico

Discontent with Volodymyr Zelensky and concerns about a “gradual monopolization of power” in Ukraine are growing both in the West and within his own “Servant of the People” party.

Politico reports.

The outlet spoke with lawmakers from the ruling faction who attended a recent closed-door meeting with the president. At that meeting, Zelensky criticized members of his faction, activists, and journalists for failing to “consistently present a flattering image of Ukraine in the eyes of Western partners.”

The president, according to Politico, “forcefully declared that Ukrainians who say anything negative about the situation inside the country are distracting attention” from the war effort and from consolidating support among foreign allies. He also made clear he intends to run for a second term, focusing on continuing the war.

“Zelensky’s condemnatory rhetoric only worsened what lawmakers described as a meeting marked by internal tension. In truth, discontent and grumbling are growing within the party over Zelensky’s highly personalized method of governance and his tendency to treat parliament dismissively. Moreover, actions aimed at undermining anti-corruption agencies continue to irritate some of his own legislators,” Politico writes.

Zelensky promised to consult more with lawmakers in the future, but “this seems unlikely,” admitted one MP.

At the meeting, he was displeased with the low attendance, since about 100 deputies from his party did not show up. Tensions escalated further when one lawmaker questioned the wisdom of dismantling anti-corruption agencies at a time when they were investigating staff in the presidential administration. Although Zelensky said he would consult more in the future, one MP expressed doubt, adding: “This whole story points to a further tightening of domestic politics. From the president’s office perspective, you are either with Zelensky, or you are a Russian puppet,” the outlet notes.

According to three European envoys in Kyiv, Western allies are also beginning to voice concern.

Political opponents have long complained of “the Ukrainian leader’s populist impatience with the constraints and complexities necessary for managing a democracy, and his innate sensitivity to criticism.” His defenders counter that the war demands “a firm and decisive hand.”