What Ukraine Should Be in Three Years — A Manifesto of Reform Supporters

What Ukraine Should Be in Three Years — A Manifesto of Reform Supporters

On his Facebook page, Valeriy Pekar published a joint vision of a reformed Ukraine in 2019 by a group of young politicians, civil society figures, and activists

Manifesto

We, the undersigned, declare our unification for the purpose of transforming Ukraine into a successful country in which freedom, justice, and citizens’ prosperity are realized.

To this end, we have united to coordinate our actions and are working together so that the vision below is shared by a majority of Ukrainian citizens and implemented as soon as possible.

Our vision of Ukraine in 2019 is as follows:

1. Transparent politics. New electoral legislation has been adopted providing for the abolition of the majoritarian system, open party lists, limits on political advertising, and transparency of political party financing.

2. Fair justice. The judicial system has been reformed and fully purged based on competitive selection of judges and the dismissal of all unscrupulous and dishonest judges (including those who cannot explain the sources of their assets), according to principles of independence and competence. The principle of inevitable punishment is in effect.

3. Minimizing the role of the state. The role of the state in the economy and other spheres of life has been substantially reduced, as indicated by a consolidated state budget that does not exceed 40% of GDP, with a further trend toward reduction to 35%.

4. Effective public administration. A radical institutional reform of the executive branch has been carried out; the number of civil servants was reduced by 50%, civil service became prestigious, and salaries are market-based; appointments are made only through open competitions, the civil service is depoliticized; the development of independent specialized institutions that cooperate with the state on a contractual basis has begun.

5. Electronic service state. Administrative services have been moved to electronic formats, minimizing the influence of officials on decision-making; the approach to public administration has shifted from regulatory to service-oriented.

6. De-statization of the economy. Transparent privatization of state enterprises has been carried out, except for strategic ones, which are managed in accordance with internationally recognized corporate governance standards.

7. Economic liberalization. Free movement of goods, capital, and labor is ensured; a transparent tax system and simplified conditions for starting and running a business; development of competitive relations and limitation of monopolies in economic relations.

8. Energy security. A dramatic increase in energy efficiency; a course toward maximum energy independence, diversification, and use of alternative energy sources; connection to the unified European energy system.

9. Environmental security. The development of the economy and society is founded on principles of sustainable development; a separation has been made between the tendency for economic growth on the one hand and the consumption of natural resources and environmental pollution on the other.

10. Decentralization. Powers, responsibilities, and resources have been redistributed in favor of local communities.

11. European integration. The Association Agreement with the European Union has been implemented, including harmonization of legislation and state institutions.

12. Strong army. The reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been completed in accordance with NATO standards.

13. Social unity on Donbas and Crimea. There is a consolidated strategy regarding Donbas and Crimea that is shared by the majority of citizens and implemented through the joint efforts of the state and civil society.

Signatures:

Viktoriya Voytsitska,

Andriy Herus,

Vladyslav Holub,

Oleksiy Honcharuk,

Oleh Derevyanko,

Andriy Dligach,

Andriy Zhurzhiy,

Svitlana Zalishchuk,

Yuliya Klymenko,

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze,

Svitlana Kolomiiets,

Ruslan Korzh,

Heorhiy Lohvynskyi,

Oksana Markarova,

Yaroslav Markevych,

Natalia Mykolska,

Oleksiy Mushak,

Maksym Nefyodov,

Volodymyr Omelyan,

Valeriy Pekar,

Viktoriya Ptashnyk,

Vladyslav Rashkovan,

Anna Romanova,

Vladyslava Rutytska,

Oleksiy Riabchyn,

Natalia Sevostianova,

Oleksiy Skrypnyk,

Olena Sotnyk,

Hryhoriy Shverk,

Aliona Shkrum