The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Volodymyr Rybak deems the crisis of hope and trust of society in state institutions and authorities, including that of regional, local and self-government bodies, to pose the most threatening challenge for power in 2013.
During the meeting with representatives of local authorities and local self-government bodies of Donetsk region, Volodymyr Rybak drew attention to the fact that before parliamentary elections and at the beginning of work of the Verkhovna Rada “the country was engulfed by populist promises and political irritants that created excessive expectations in society”.
At the same time, the Chairman of the Parliament said that citizens of Ukraine objectively could not feel radical positive changes from reforms, for average revenue of a family still remains low and due to complicated situation in medical and educational spheres, as well as remaining high level of unemployment and corruption. It is still difficult to start and do business, especially small one.
“The Verkhovna Rada and the majority of parliamentarians are well aware of these political challenges and risks,” Volodymyr Rybak noted, stressing that “cornerstone issues of legislative support to the program of economic and social reforms of the President of Ukraine, particularly pension reform; health care reform; financial support for veterans and disabled veterans; assistance for low-income categories of citizens; transition to targeted support and social services that meet the needs of a particular person and family; remuneration and social security; social protection and assistance to orphans; provision of affordable housing for people in need of housing improvement, etc. shall remain in the focus of attention of the Parliament during its cadency”.
Thereat, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada noted that personnel of local self-government and local bodies of executive power will be the first to face the abovementioned social risks and threats. “I say this not to frighten you with hypothetical problems, but for each of you, who was elected by people, was well aware of your responsibility before voters, before your region, and before all Ukraine,” he said.