Chairman’s gas price jump formal statement
20 October 2018, 17:30
On our path to the future powerful, prosperous and modern Ukraine, where Ukrainians will live with dignity, in freedom and security, it is necessary to take responsible state-minded, state-oriented decisions. Sometimes these decisions are not and cannot be popular. True governors-statesmen, being clearly aware of the loss in their personal popularity, take them, though - when necessary.
The big problem of our country is that the populists of the past brought Ukraine into very difficult economic circumstances, and modern state leaders are forced to carry out tough economic reforms in these difficult conditions. Naturally, this is not popular.
After the Soviet Union’s collapse, there were the same reforms, sometimes big-bang ones, carried out in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary on their way to a developed Europe. And we do know the standards of living in these countries now.
As chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, I used to meet with many delegations of our Western allies, in particular, with the delegation of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. I personally urged our international partners to remove the issue of uphopping gas prices from the agenda. But I do realize that the gas price rising is inevitable at this point in time as Ukraine's financial support from the International Monetary Fund, which the state needs badly, does depend on this. This decision is vital for preventing the economic crisis in Ukraine.
To understand the moment clearly, it is worth noting that Ukraine took its first international obligation to equalize gas prices as far back as 2008. Since then, these commitments have been mapped through all the IMF memoranda.
I deem it my ought to thus support the decision of a Volodymyr Hroisman Government, since it assumes responsibility for the reforms that are unpopular, but necessary for strengthening, developing and securing Ukraine.
I am convinced that the system of subsidies developed by the Government will provide real economic protection to every Ukrainian family that needs it.
Our strategic goal is an economically strong, socially cohesive, energy independent Ukraine. A securely protected and advanced European state. Our highest value and guiding light are safe, free and prosperous life of the Ukrainian people.