First, the geopolitical position of Ukraine. Our place is with the European Union. We signed an agreement on political association and free trade area with the European Union. We commenced the implementation of it and it is crucial to further implement it. A visa-free regime for the citizens of Ukraine will be granted and for this purpose, the government has spared no effort to ensure that the European Union can announce their final decision.
Second is the security of Ukraine. There is no doubt that Ukraine should become a member of NATO. For this purpose, we have launched the retrofitting of the armed forces of Ukraine, so as to align all our standards with the criteria of member countries of the alliance. We are at the stage of completion of the process of upgrading the National Police and the National Guard.
The economy of Ukraine. We are pursuing the programme of reforms that we agreed with the International Monetary Fund including the full and transparent privatization of state-owned property, with the exception of strategically significant enterprises. The appointment of new, independent and efficient managers to chair all state-owned companies and the removal of any influence on certain companies and their assets by certain political forces.
Reforming the State Fiscal Service: including the simplification of the administration of taxes, the responsibility of each and every one of us from large company to private citizen to pay their taxes and at the same time, ensuring that the State is accountable to every citizen regarding where and how their taxes are allocated.
Third is a policy of Ukraine. The political system of the country requires comprehensive and cardinal reform. A new Ukrainian Constitution, which must balance the relations in the triangle of the President, Government and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine should be publicly discussed and adopted by the Parliament. The new political system implies the balance of power, the commitment of each branch of government and the right of the people to actually rule their own country.
Furthermore, political parties should not be clubs of personal interests in the shape of closed joint stock companies, but political movements with ideological views that are capable of bearing the responsibility for each member they delegate to parliament, to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, or to local self-government authorities. The financing of political parties must be on the transparent basis only. This also requires a new electoral system within the country.
Fifth – Justice in Ukraine, the country needs a radical change in the judicial system. The adoption of amendments to the Constitution simultaneously with the adoption of a new Law on the status of judges and the judicial system, providing for the dismissal of all corrupt judges and the election of new, independent and professional judges who will protect the honor, the rights and freedoms of citizens of Ukraine.
A real, not a superficial fight against corruption through the efficient activity of all the newly established anti-corruption bodies. The reduction of officialdom with higher salaries for civil servants and open declarations of all officials on their assets, income and expenses with proper control in this matter.
Sixth – A continuation of the decentralization process with the devolution of financial resources to local levels, along with increased responsibility of local authorities to their citizens.
Seventh – the struggle for our independence. A strict policy towards any aggressor country which in this case means the Russian Federation. No deals and compromise at the expense of Ukraine. The restoration of the territorial integrity of the Ukrainian State. The return of Donetsk, Luhansk and Crimea. And the extension of sanctions against the Russian Federation until Ukraine has completely restored its territorial sovereignty.
One of the main pillars of independence is energy independence, which we have achieved. So, I will not allow any backroom deals or the return of energy tycoons to the Ukrainian economy.
Our objectives are to accede to the European Union, to join the NATO and to promote the welfare of all Ukrainian citizens, to become a healthy and educated nation.
And just to wind up: I don’t care what my political opponents think about this plan. We laid the foundation for the implementation of this plan. I’m only doing what I believe in and I believe in Ukraine.
