The decision to run for the elections of the President of Ukraine by popular vote is very responsible.

Now, we should ensure that the upcoming elections do not split Ukraine, do not divide the people as it happened in 2004, that there are no defeated and humble in the end.

Ukraine should win.

It should be a victory of growth over crisis.

Victory of unity over separation.

Victory of justice over pursuits of the political opponents.

Victory of professionalism over dilettantism.

Victory of national interest over narrow party ambitions.

If everyone, who decided to run for the presidential elections, has the same understanding of this logic of the process, if the potential candidates set themselves a task not to annihilate the opponent, but to help Ukraine, to strengthen the state and support the people, this will be our shared victory. The victory of all people.

Presently much is said about the fate of the ideas on the alterations to the Constitution, which we elaborated together with our colleagues from BYuT and Litvin’s Bloc during the negotiations. I would say at once that I oppose cancelling the good decisions we have agreed on. There are issues, which need not be put off for the period after the elections.

I believe we can find support in parliament for, for example, so much needed alterations to the Constitution as, say, a court system reform or decentralization of local government.

It is very important not to waste time and already now carry out the reforms, so much needed by our state. We should legislatively give more freedom to the regions, reform the court system, pass other alterations to the Constitution, expected by the entire country.

I urge the colleagues to cooperate. Please forget the offenses, cast aside emotions. We should maintain the unity in problem-solving of the issues, which cast no doubts.

Let us think what we can do for Ukraine together. And we can do a lot.

I realize that my decision to run for the elections by popular vote, rather than in parliament, is not perceived by everyone with understanding. But I cannot act differently indeed. To be the President of Verkhovna Rada, given all the respect to parliament, is not enough to lift such a heavy load as the current task of overcoming the crisis. For this purpose one should be the President of all people. To meet the challenges faced by the state, the popular support is needed.

Ukraine’s next President, who will be able to lean on the mighty shoulder of the Ukrainian people, who will be recognized by the global community, who will have good relationship with the neighboring states, will achieve Ukraine’s renaissance.

I am sure thereof.

Today I call for everyone not to waste time on sorting out petty affairs, on fuss, on competition, on hurting others: let us give our forces to reforms. Do not postpone until tomorrow what can be done today. Here is my hand, the Party of Regions faction’s hand, we are ready for structural cooperation and expect the same responsible step from you.

The Party of Regions Press Service