Producer and satirist Volodymyr Zelenskiy has catapulted to the top of presidential polls because Ukrainians do not trust old-guard politicians. That’s understandable but his lack of day-to-day political experience or a team is a valid concern, given the country’s current challenges.
In recent interviews, two of Ukraine’s former finance ministers, who were removed after only two years’ apiece, expressed strong views about the election.
Former Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko left Ukraine after a two-year stint from 2014 to 2016, and now works as executive director of the Financial Oversight & Management Board for Puerto Rico. In a recent interview, she emphasized the importance of experience and a solid team.
“Ukrainians are electing a wartime leader who must have a team in place. The only candidates that should be considered for the job are those who want to join the European Union and NATO,” she said in an interview. “This is the fifth anniversary of Maidan, and if these aren’t the goals then what did people die for? You cannot just change your mind. It’s critical to keep pushing forward on both. What is necessary for any candidate is a steady hand, consistency of policy regarding NATO, the EU, and the International Monetary Fund. The IMF is the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for a country and keeps Ukraine’s international coalition of support.”
In the five years since Ukraine has garnered such Western support, she noted the economy is growing again and many industries – notably information technology, agriculture, green energy, and infrastructure – are “booming,” she said. “The independence of Ukraine’s central bank has been key to this,” she said. “Some candidates don’t believe in its independence but without that Ukraine will suffer from damaging currency fluctuations.”
She did not want to discuss or endorse specific candidates but said: “Poroshenko must be given credit for what’s been done,” she said. “But it’s not enough.”
She was replaced by Finance Minister Oleksandr Danylyuk who said in an interview he does not support President Petro Poroshenko for re-election or Yulia Tymoshenko. But he was impressed enough after meeting Zelenskiy recently that he has taken him under his wing. Danylyuk was pushed out of his portfolio after taking tough action against, among others, billionaire oligarch Igor Kolomoisky and his PrivatBank. Rumors are that Zelenskiy is backed and controlled by the oligarch, but Danyliuk said he spoke to the candidate about this and is convinced that’s untrue.
“I asked about his relationship with Kolomoisky and he gave me the right answer. I’m experienced enough to understand that actions are more important than words but he convinced me that’s there’s nothing to be suspicious about,” he said.
“I met with Zelenskiy to get an impression myself,” said Danylyuk. “My impression is the following: He clearly doesn’t have enough knowledge in the important spheres because you only get that by working in government. The lack of experience should be addressed. And the only way to address this is by having a strong team with experience.”
“I decided to help him meet people and learn about policies after our first meeting,” he said. “To be successful at reforms, he needs to know what to do. The right team is important. I have been introducing him to the right people, to western partners such as the IMF and Ambassadors. All of them wanted to meet with him and all told him what was important.”
“He needs the backing of these people and these parties. He has to have a trusted relationship with them and put more value on what they say. Everyone is very receptive. What he already understood is that he needs to form a position on all key issues. He’s receptive to advise overall, and understands he lacks experience,” he said.
Danylyuk also “chaired” meetings between Zelenskiy, the head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, Vitaliy Shabunin and other anti-corruption activists, “In terms of anti-corruption, he has formed a position already. On economics, he listens. He’s not fully there yet, but more and more professional people have more interest in talking with him and explaining issues.”
Zelenskiy’s position on the war against Russia “is not much different than all the candidates”, said Danylyuk. “He is pro-Ukrainian.”
Danylyuk sees his role as a facilitator, and hasn’t decided as yet to become a member of Zelenskiy’s team. “It’s too early to say. I’m not part of the team. I’m not avoiding the answer. I have already been Finance Minister and it’s important who is Prime Minister [a Presidential appointee]. I’m fed up with working with people who have less understanding than I do. I’m using my knowledge to help educate him and if he puts a strong team in place I would be happy to be in the team. There is no team at the moment being formed, but some good people are in talks.”
