The first Yekhanurov Government was appointed after the first Tymoshenko Government was sacked amid resignations and corruption claims. Twelve days later the Ukrainian Parliament rejecting Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko choice of Yuri Yekhanurov for Prime Minister. Yekhanurov was three votes short of the 226 needed for approval with three out of 52 deputies from the Regions faction voting for Yekhanurov. On September 22, 2005 the Ukrainian parliament did approved Yekhanurov appointment with 289 votes. This time all the Parliamentarians of the Party of Regions faction of losing presidential candidate (in 2004) Viktor Yanukovych backed the appointment. This shortly after a "Memorandum Of Understanding Between The Authorities And The Opposition" was signed by Yekhanurov, Yushchenko and Yanukovych.