People’s Deputy, the Party of Regions parliamentary faction member Vadim Kolesnichenko commented to “IMK” the information provided by the CIS Intergovernmental Statistics Committee stating that the highest inflation among the CIS countries in the first quarter of 2008 was observed in Ukraine. In particular, he said the following:

- Inflation in Ukraine became the highest among the CIS countries owing to the incompetence of the present government, the lack of the country’s economic development program and due to Tymoshenko’s desire to please the people at any cost – even at a cost of the national economy breakdown. If inflation processes evolve so rapidly further on, they can lead to an economic collapse, and, as a result, to social revolts and even to a decay of the state.

The Tymoshenko government is not able to restrain inflation growth, firstly, on account of her own unprofessional actions. And secondly, because Yulia Tymoshenko has another priorities and goals, namely, to win the presidential race. And to this end she has to fulfill populist social promises which are not compatible with the anti-inflation policy issues.

Nowadays, in order to fight inflation, it is necessary to apply the most rigid anti-inflationary measures. Although, Tymoshenko will never resort to it. Primarily, because it was she who boosted a spurge in inflation through unreasoned massive indemnifications to the USSR Savings Bank depositors. And she will never manage to explain to her voters, whom she promised “everything and at once”, why unpopular anti-inflationary measures have to be introduced. And secondly, because under the conditions of exorbitant price growth and rigid fiscal policy it is easier to raise funds for her presidential campaign. Perhaps, that is why taxes for 5-6 months were collected in advance from businessmen for the first time over 15 years, and VAT (value-added tax) debt is constantly not returned.

For this reason the inflation rate in Ukraine will not fall. Instead of measures to combat inflation Tymoshenko will offer the people slogans that bandits are to be in prisons, and oligarchs are to share with the poor. Meanwhile, on the sly of speaking about social justice, she will keep collecting money for a decisive fight for the presidential post.