Volodymyr Zelensky, a comedian who plays the president in a TV show, will likely be the next president of Ukraine
are as disposed to spectacle and phantasmagoria as Ukraine, the birthplace of Mikhail Bulgakov and Nikolai Gogol. Their shadows, surely, enveloped springtime Kiev on March 31st as a comedian who plays the president in a popularshow “Servant of the People” emerged as the likely next president of Ukraine. Ukrainian politics have often resembled a reality show. Now a show is turning into reality.
Mr Zelensky’s turn to politics seemed as accidental as that of his character. The idea of stepping from thescreen into a race emerged two years ago, after Mr Poroshenko’s analysts measured the actor’s ratings only to discover that he was the most popular choice. He was seen, at the time, as a perfect spoiler for Slava Vakarchuk, a well-known rock-singer who tantalised Ukrainians with the idea of a run for the presidency only to back down.
Mr Zelensky, not wishing to divide opinions and votes, said almost nothing about his politics. He did not hold political rallies or take part in television debates. Instead he toured the country giving two shows a day—one free, one paid. Unlike his rivals, who had to work hard to get people to come to their to rallies, Mr Zelensky actually made money from ticket sales. But those who voted for him have little idea about the man behind the screen.
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