(Reuters) – Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich on Monday named Serhiy Arbuzov – who has until now run the central bank – first deputy prime minister in the new government, Yanukovich’s office said.
The move makes Arbuzov, who is seen by analysts as representing the interests of the Yanukovich family, a likely successor to Prime Minister Mykola Azarov.
Ukraine’s government resigned on December 3 following October’s parliamentary election and its members have since served in an interim capacity, apart from Azarov who was reappointed on December 13.
Arbuzov, 36, will take over the No.2 government position from Valery Khoroshkovsky who quit the interim cabinet this month in protest against Azarov’s re-appointment.
Yanukovich’s office also announced that Yuri Kolobov, Arbuzov’s former deputy at the central bank, would keep his job as finance minister.
Yanukovich named former energy minister Yuri Boiko and former regional governor Olexander Vilkul deputy prime ministers.
(Reporting by Olzhas Auyezov; Editing by Alison Williams)