“The Verkhovna Rada should urgently adopt all necessary decisions to counteract the coronavirus outbreak,” -- Olena Kondratiuk
Ukrainian authorities should start a frank conversation with the public about the coronavirus and act more decisively against the spread of this infection in Europe.
The Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk stated this in her article for the news portal “Ukrainska Pravda” (“Ukrainian Truth”).
"The Verkhovna Rada must urgently make all major decisions solely focused on how to combat the spread of the coronavirus, including possible changes to the state budget and necessary appointments. The parliament should take the lead in limiting face-to-face meetings of large groups of people – in order to prop the quarantine through personal example, shifting the focus to working in committees,” she stressed.
According to the vice speaker, the country has now to choose between two scenarios - decisive actions, an honest conversation with citizens, painful and unpopular decisions - or light-mindedness, capable of spelling disaster.
She also called on the parliamentary majority and the Government to address the issue of providing the country with medical masks, antiseptics as well as much-needed special equipment.
To her mind, there should also be thought through some compensation mechanisms for businesses in connection with the forced switching to mass remote working and possible economic dis-benefit from the quarantining.
“The authorities cannot call for the responsibility of citizens, while remaining irresponsible themselves. I hope that my colleagues from the majority will hear me as the voice of the opposition and common sense,” O. Kondratiuk emphasized.
The vice speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also appealed to journalists with the call to demonstrate their social responsibility and to engage regularly in informing citizens about the prevention of coronavirus disease - instead of pumping panic.