Last week, in his annual address in Verkhovna Rada, the President said that the key tasks in solving the problem of corruption are “to effectively counteract the criminalization of relationships between the state apparatus and business,” ensure the transparency of economic processes, and legalize shadow capital. He stated that most lucrative sectors of Ukrainian economy are divided among clans and that an this must be stopped. Our experts comment on what practical implications such statement by the President could have.
Oleksiy PLOTNYKOV, Doctor of economic sciences, Institute of International Relations and the World Economy, Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences :
“It is good that the President finally has dared to say something openly about what was already obvious during his first term. This is, no doubt, a positive thing. As far as concrete steps are concerned, I do not think they will be taken, at any rate not in the near future. Perhaps, there will be some general measures and simulation of a struggle against clans, but I do not see any real consequences of this struggle.
“But if the President really wanted to change something, he should begin with firing people, clarifying, why certain entities work in specific sectors, why these entities are virtual monopolies, who is behind those clans, and in whose interest this is.”
Serhiy TELESHUN, political scientist :
“The President’s political will should be decisive above all in solving this issue. At the moment, there is the political will to make declarations. The next step should involve specific actions. The shadow economy, and likewise, shadow politics have to be legalized. If this legalization is carried out, there will be no need to talk about one clan or another. Once we have transparency, from policies in making appointments to economic issues, the clans will want to look civilized and will not look like some variety performers having no voice but still singing. The lucrative sectors of the economy are primarily the energy generating, natural gas, petrochemical refining spheres, metal, and land. These are the sectors capable of generating real profits.
