Roman Zvarych is the Minister of Justice. Many lawyers approve of this appointment. One may like Zvarych or not, but there is no doubt that Zvarych will cope with the tasks of the Justice Minister and as his first task with the fundamental reform of the Ministry.

Roman Zvarych was born in the United States in 1953. He is a graduate of the philosophy department of Columbia University (New York) and was a professor at the same university. He is the author of about 30 research publications.

He has lived in Ukraine since 1991. Zvarych had problems with Ukrainian citizenship: obviously his extraordinary decision to emigrate to Ukraine caused great suspicions on the part of Ukrainian officials. He was granted it only in 1995, two years after he abandoned his US citizenship. His ideological opponents call him an “American spy”, whereas among the American Diaspora he is known for his anti-American sentiments.

Not only did Zvarych adapt to a foreign culture, but he also managed to reach a high position in society. Thus, 10 years after naturalization he was able to take one of the top state posts and to be truly worthy of it. He has been a people’s deputy and the deputy chairman of the National Rukh of Ukraine since 2003.

Zvarich is a broad specialist. He feels at ease with constitutional and election law as well as issues related to the operation of the judicial system. He has a systematic, global approach to any judicial problem. He has quick and adequate reactions and at the same time firmness and pragmatism, within reasonable limits. He is one of the strongest lawyers in Our Ukraine, who looks convincing in both political and legal battles.

In addition Zvarych is presentable, which is also important for the Justice Minster, positioning itself as a European. He has good idea of the precedent system of the law and is well versed in international law issues. Naturally he speaks perfect English. He is not a stranger to European institutions, being a deputy head of the European Integration committee and a member of Ukraine’s standing delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. He has the essential, and rare, quality of being able to explain clearly to Western counterpart a Ukrainian problem with all its cultural peculiarities, which are often inconceivable by a Westerner.

Of course, it will be difficult for Zvarych, who has come to a most decayed sphere. Firstly, he will have problems with his subordinates and apparently his subordinates will have a hard time too. This “conflict of ideologies” is likely to be bitter and most likely Zvarich will cope with it with dignity.