Difficult times demand reforms. We must reform our Constitution, our state institutions and our economy. The perpetuation of the status quo threatens not just our economic well being…it threatens our existence as an independent nation. As much as these reforms are desirable and necessary they CANNOT be decided in a “backroom” out of view of the people.

These days have not been easy ones for us – for my party fellows, for millions of supporters of the Party of Regions. And personally for myself.

I had to make a choice.

We understood and still understand, that Ukraine can be saved from its imminent economic and political bankruptcy only by leaders, who are willing to rise above their own political ambitions. No one party or individual can solve the problems.

Ukraine can be saved only by means of uniting all participants of the political process without exception, no matter what differences they have.

Starting in 2005 I have more than once indicated a willingness to unite with all those, who understood the need of such step for conducting deep structural changes. I tried not to pay attention to personal insults, unfair accusations, public humiliation, used by my opponents trying to destroy me. In response to these, I always said: There is no alternative to unification.

The truth turned out to be on my side – the talks on creation of the coalition with BYuT and other political forces have started, although with significant delay. These negotiations have been very difficult, because too many problems have piled up in our common home, Ukraine.

During these negotiations it became apparent that even if all participants are ready for serious compromise, the broad coalition will face a range of problems, which we will not be able to resolve quickly. I understood the political costs inherent in this effort for all participants of the process. I understood that both the new Government and the new coalition will need time.

The pending presidential elections make the organization of a new government unrealistic. A few months remaining before the presidential elections simply is not enough to start really effective anti-crisis activity.

We discussed the way of making changes in the Constitution, which would envision election of the President in the Parliament and extension of the Parliament’s term of office for a certain time. The purpose of such changes was to give the new coalition and the new Government time to implement the program of revival of economy.

But, these changes to the Constitution had to be introduced very quickly. It meant we would have to refrain from a broad discussion of such changes in a transparent and open way. Such way is a step back from democracy.

One must always seek advice of the people.

Yes, we need to accelerate reforms, but not at the account of limiting the rights of people. This issue was of key importance to me, and the one which stopped me before taking the final decision on creation of the new coalition.

I also had major doubts regarding the way of election of the President, which would be envisioned by the constitutional changes. Elections of the head of the state in the Parliament would save money and time, both of which could and should have been used for quick implementation of the anti-crisis program. However, this way would lead to doubts among the people as to transparency of our actions, and questions if the Government indeed respects people.

The will of citizens should be honored. That is why I have always been convinced – leaders must be willing to put their fate in the people’s hands. I have always said, and I will say now – the President of the state should be elected at direct popular elections. Especially now, when the new President will have to implement very difficult tasks, and probably implement unpopular reforms.

In order to do this, the President should have trust from the people. The people must believe – the leader of the state is doing everything possible to improve the lives of every citizen, so that Ukraine restores its economy and gets prospects for the future. The mandate of such trust can be obtained only at the popular elections.

I have no intention of politicizing the negotiations or their failure to promote a short-term political agenda. I must say that the negotiations, which we conducted with our partners, gave us a lot of results which can be used in the future. The way we have made towards unification remains our common achievement. This is priceless baggage, which we take with us as we move forward. We will definitely use it. But this will happen right after the Presidential elections. Let the people – and only people – give the mandate of trust to those who, in the people’s opinion, can ensure implementation of further reforms.

The President elected by a popular vote will be able to unite the country. It will be the President of the people, not the President of the VR. The truth and transparency of the government in the eyes of the society will open the prospect of combating the deep political and economic crisis, the future development of our country and improving the life of its citizens.

I am making this decision without reservation. My heart tells me – election of the President by direct popular vote is the only correct choice, which we must have the courage to make. I am making it. And let God help us.