Neither Actors Nor Athletes – Only Professional Politicians on the SDPU(o) Slate

As stressed by Verkhovna Rada First Deputy Speaker Viktor Medvedchuk, problems related to rent and utilities payments are to be addressed not by raising the tariffs but by restructuring the existing debts and implementing radical reform in this sector. Addressing a press conference on November 19, he said that the housing and utilities sector is to be demonopolized by allowing commercial entities to operate there. According to People’s Deputy Medvedchuk, there are no reasons for raising housing and utilities charges, for this would lead to nothing other than growing payment arrears. Speaking about the proposed increase in electricity tariffs, the vice speaker noted that Verkhovna Rada will never support it as it would make a dangerous move triggering higher prices. Mr. Medvedchuk stressed that, based on Prime Minister Kinakh’s latest statements, the government will not raise electricity rates. But, if such a decision is made, Verkhovna Rada will resort to adequate steps, he warned. The whole legislature, as well as the Social Democratic Party of Ukraine (united) would categorically oppose any such decision.

Describing the election scene, the first deputy speaker said that “high officials stand a better chance of losing in the election than candidates put up by political parties.” As he stressed, Verkhovna Rada has approved a comprehensive election law that clearly defines taboos for top officials during the campaign. This law is a much more effective tool than making highly placed officials go on vacation or resign. In the latter case, officials, while formally on vacation, can continue to throw their weight around during the campaign. Mr. Medvedchuk emphasized that the new law is quite sufficient for preventing candidates, either on vacation or still in office, from misusing their official positions. He also believes that high officials are faced with many more problems than other candidates “as they will be under constant pressure to stay on the right side of the law by not using their official cars or their subordinates for campaigning because, once established by the court, such wrongdoing could provoke the Central Election Commission to impose sanctions against them.” Moreover, officials will attract so much public attention and fire that they will “give up everything driven by their desire not to cross the line.”

Incidentally, when asked if the Ukrainian and international soccer celebrity, Andriy Shevchenko, will be included on the SDPU(o) slate, Medvedchuk responded by saying that there will be no actors or athletes on the party’s slate, only professional politicians.