The criticism by the Ukrainian opposition of the government is unconstructive, facts are being distorted, said Prime Minister Mykola Azarov.
"All that we hear from opponents is the twisting of facts, blatant lies, primitive falsifications, outrageous demagogy and populism. How can one hold a constructive discussion with such opponents?" Azarov said at the opening of a government meeting in Kyiv on Wednesday.
The premier dismissed the opposition accusations that food prices in Ukraine are higher than in the European Union, adding that, "with some exceptions, food prices are much higher in France, Italy, Turkey , Germany, petrol is twice as expensive, utility services are 5-10 times more expensive, public transport 5 times more expensive."
"Why lie to people that everything in Ukraine is more expensive than in Europe, that bread price in Ukraine differs only by a small percentage? Which European supermarket was the opposition shopping in to make such an untruthful conclusion?" the premier asked.
The only way out of this situation is to conduct reforms proposed by the president, he said, expressing his certainty about their success in the future. "I am repeating once again: we are open for a dialog with the opposition, but for a dialog based on truth, a dialog in the interests of the public, people, and not for cabinet seats or certain politicians," Azarov said.
