Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said Wednesday that justice minister German Galushchenko had been suspended amid a corruption scandal in the country’s energy sector.
The decision comes a day after anti-corruption prosecutors accused the former energy minister in connection with the scandal, which has sparked widespread anger.
“A decision was made to suspend Herman Galushchenko from performing the duties of minister of justice,” Svyrydenko said in her statement.
His job has been taken over by deputy minister for European integration, Lyudmyla Sugak, she added.
Galuschenko said in a statement that he had spoken with the prime minister and agreed with her decision.
“A political decision must be made, and only then can all the details be sorted out,” he added.
“I believe that suspension for the duration of the investigation is a civilised and correct scenario. I will defend myself in court and prove my position.”
The Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) has accused Timur Mindich, a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, of orchestrating a $100-million corruption scandal involving embezzlement in the energy sector.
They said Galushchenko, who served as energy minister for four years, had received “personal benefits” from Mindich in exchange for control over the money flows in the energy sector.
The investigation has come to light even as the country’s infrastructure is battered by Russian attacks.
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