"Great expectations of security, and hopes to avoid the tension in the post-Soviet territory accompanied proclamation of Ukraine´s independence twenty years ago," Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, stated in the interview to the program "Pro Holovne" at the First National Channel on Monday.
He reminded that absolute majority of the citizens had fallen for the euphoria, having trusted the leaflets and proclamations that if Ukraine became independent, it would be economically developed and would set the pace for the European, if not global, community. "However, greatest expectations border on the greatest disappointments," V.Lytvyn admitted, answering the question concerning smaller number of independence supporters in comparison with 1991. "I think that people felt masters of their home. However, the sense of independence must not have been combined with the sense of responsibility," he stated.
The Head of the Ukrainian Parliament stated, "Having our own state and liberty, we do not feel it, it is like air." Still, he attaches great importance to the responsibility for the state. "To quote Semen Hluzman: "Why do we have such difficult lives? Because we choose so easily." "People have not yet felt the responsibility for those representing their interests. The sense of paternalism and overreliance on the state is prevailing, and Ukrainian politicians use it to their own advantage," V.Lytvyn stated.
V.Lytvyn considers that authorities which keep monitoring the ratings and strive to appeal to the public by all means are the biggest disaster for the country. He stressed that authorities should abandon the principle "to please at any cost." Therefore, V.Lytvyn attaches critical importance to the end of 2011 and 2012. "We have to adopt complicated, unpopular or even painful decisions. Otherwise, Ukraine is doomed to degradation," the Head of the Ukrainian Parliament believes.