Volodymyr Hroisman: Federalization and decentralization of power have nothing to do with one another

Federalization that is imposed Ukraine from outside has nothing to do with the policy of decentralization of power, which currently is being implemented by the Ukrainian Government. This was stressed by Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Communal Services Volodymyr Hroisman at a press conference in the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center on April 8.

According to him, today there are a lot of "well-wishers" who try to equate decentralization with federalization. The latter is the scenario of rift of Ukraine and it will lead to establishment of little "kings" in the region.

"Separatism won’t work in Ukraine. This is not the Ukrainian scenario. Separation of any part of the country is a weak position. Anyone who calls for the breakup of the country must bear criminal responsibility. I’m sure that 90% of residents support a single, united country. Today, as never before, we have a chance to build the county quality new and successful. And we must use this chance," Volodymyr Hroisman said.

"Our position - the community has a key role and it has to decide where and what kind of roads to build in a city, village or town, how to develop social infrastructure, control the quality of the local authorities chosen by the community," Volodymyr Hroisman said.

The first step in this direction is the approval by the government in early April of the Concept of local government reform and territorial organization of power. The following steps that will be carried out based on the concept - the adoption of appropriate amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine and legislative acts that regulate the development of local communities and local self-government.

With regards to the Crimea, then, according to the official, it is now the temporarily occupied territory and he expressed doubt that the promise of a quick "happy life" for the Crimeans becomes a reality.

Vice Prime Minister also expressed confidence that huge blanking of state funds from local budgets cannot last long in Ukraine. The concept of local government reform suggests that part of the taxes that had previously climbed to the central government will remain in place, and the community can lead to the development of their areas.

"We will give the possibility to each region to determine its policy and you will be witness what is an effective regional policy, what is effective local self-government and a successful Ukraine", the official said.