Yuschenko promises results beginning on the 101st day
RFE/RL Poland, Belarus, and Ukraine Report
KYIV - Speaking to the Verkhovna Rada before his confirmation as prime minister, National Bank of Ukraine Chairman Viktor Yuschenko presented the economic policy guidelines of his future Cabinet.
Mr. Yuschenko stressed that "we have so little time for decisive action: literally a few months. I do not want to dramatize [the situation], but these are the months of Ukraine's last chance."
Mr. Yuschenko said he visualizes his Cabinet of Ministers as a "monolith of like-minded persons." According to the new prime minister, the success of the Cabinet is conditional on the smooth operation of three "mechanisms" in Ukraine's system of power: joint responsibility of the government and the parliament; a stabilization pact "that will introduce consensus between the executive power and major economic entities that basically shape production costs and prices"; and a mechanism for the development of a civic society.
Regarding the near future, Mr. Yuschenko told the Parliament: "During the first 100 days, we, jointly with you, have to take and implement a majority of indispensable political decisions. As soon as on the 101st day, we should see convincing results that could confirm the efficiency of our joint actions."
Mr. Yuschenko also announced in his December 22, 1999, address that no later than in February he will present a program of action called "1,000 Days of Reforms in Ukraine." During those 1,000 days, the government intends to introduce major reforms in five areas: state administration; the consolidation of state finances and the strengthening of the national currency; the creation of "normal conditions" for economic activity; the resolution of the foreign debt problem; improvements in the social sphere ("poor people are to see their life improved in the next few months").
Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, January 23, 2000, No. 4, Vol. LXVIII
| Home Page |