“I want to see Ukraine without Kuchma.” Still remember this phrase of Leonid Danilovich, abandoned them on the eve of the 2004 presidential election? Thrown with sarcasm, saying, come on, try it without me, my experience, my managerial talents. Most companies, for their part, also reacted to the phrase with a significant degree of sarcasm. They say, and is somehow not going to die without everlasting during the ten years of Kuchma and his kusmetov. Then the Ukrainians were convinced that the worst President is already hard to choose.
However, as rightly argued by the ancient Romans, tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis — times change and we change with them. And now, sixteen years after the departure of Kuchma from his post, the society already sees it as the best head of state for almost three decades of Ukraine’s independence. This is evidenced by the may opinion poll conducted by the sociological group “Rating”. The pollsters asked the Ukrainians a question: “which of all the presidents of Ukraine since its independence You think is the best?”.
The second President of Ukraine gained the most percentage points (20) and proudly took first place in the survey. Next on the ranking are: the incumbent President Vladimir Zelensky (16%), Leonid Kravchuk (13%), Petro Poroshenko (12%), Viktor Yanukovych (9%), and finally Viktor Yushchenko (6%).
Leonid Kuchma
Of course, the publication of a rating of popularity of the leaders of the nation could not fail to provoke a powerful wave of hype on social networks. And really, how is it that Kuchma… against which was the site of most protests, the removal from power which had sought millions of Ukrainians, the one that forever has the taint of involvement (whether directly or indirectly) to the murder of Georgy Gongadze, who only heard the curse in the first half of zero, now became the people’s favorite. That’s probably a lie, sociologists?
I don’t think so. First of all, because the Rating has already proven their integrity and impartiality. For me personally, this assessment is not cause the slightest dissonance with my perception of people’s moods, which are formed partially real situation, but more — formed opinions about them.
So what really useful to do for the Ukraine Leonid Kuchma? First of all, led the country from a deep socio-economic crisis of the transition period. If not immediately, albeit not as we would like it (we watched the parallel processes in Poland, Czech Republic or Hungary), but he stopped the inflation, devaluation and ensure sustainable economic development. It was under Kuchma introduced the national currency — the hryvnia — which initially cost more than half a dollar and about as much as the German mark. Kuchma at the end of his second term was able to provide not seen until now, “Chinese” growth of the Ukrainian economy with 9.5% in 2003, 11.8 per cent in 2004.
Kuchma forced the Parliament to adopt the Constitution, of course, not forgetting to endow yourself with the Basic law broad powers. It put Prime Minister Viktor Yushchenko and Vice-Premier Yulia Tymoshenko. Albeit briefly, less than a year. But it was then that this couple was able to show a successful state managers and to gain national recognition and respect.
No one, as Leonid Kuchma, was not able to break the Parliament through the knee. Sometimes for useful things. Remember how he in June 2003 forced the MPs (including Yanukovych and his regions Party) to vote for the Law “On fundamentals of national security of Ukraine”. Article 6 in this document the priorities of national security was defined as “the integration of Ukraine into the European political, economic, legal environment and Euro-Atlantic space of security.” And in article 8 the main directions of state policy on issues of national security defined “membership in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization”. Make lie so unanimously vote for European and Euro-Atlantic integration could not even no President. And you say: “Kuchma out!”.
Also, everybody is aware of its multi-vector foreign policy. Now it is perceived as something highly inappropriate. And then she helped Ukraine to gradually gain strength in the international arena. You have not forgotten the incident of the island of Tuzla in the middle of the Kerch Strait, which Russia wanted to get their hands on in 2003, and Kuchma defended him?
And let’s remember what the President invited (and productive) to Ukraine of the Pope? Again- Leonid Kuchma. The greatness of the moment was not spoiled even a comic incident at the Lviv Hippodrome. Who forgot let me remind you. So, 26 June 2001. At the track gathered more than a million faithful (this is the first and so far last time in Ukraine one person was able to collect such a conglomeration of people). Leonid Kuchma accompanied by John Paul II. So they came to the podium what to do next — our President has no idea. Heard somewhere that the Pope should be in something to kiss. Whether in the ring or in the Shoe. “No, this can not be, men kissing not so,” thought the former party Secretary. However, to kiss the Viceroy of God on earth in a Communist mouth decided not to. Kissed on the cheek. First, the Pope was struck dumb by this sudden familiarity, but quickly wiped his face with his hand and began mass. And we just laughed and forgave atheist Kuchma is incorrect behavior.
Of course, Kuchma is to criticize, and even hate. He has formed in Ukraine, the system of oligarchic capitalism. He defined himself favorites among the richest Ukrainians closer, then separating each of them, scolded them, reconciled. In short, controlled, and quite successfully, not forgetting to take care of their welfare and their families. So, he made efficient work of large Ukrainian enterprises, which were expensive and polluting. At the same time, he created extremely unfavorable conditions for small and medium-sized firms, which has provided incredible economic growth in Poland.
It was during Kuchma was maximally suppressed freedom of speech in Ukraine. We still remember “temniki Medvedchuk”, which was sent in edition of influential media with the requirement of mandatory use. We have not forgotten about Gongadze. It is clear that with the death of the then Minister of internal Affairs Yury Kravchenko will never be able to establish the degree of involvement of the second President of this crime. But the fact that the Kuchma regime has allowed such a tragedy (because Gongadze was not the only victim of the system), it arises for criminal liability. That is why the normal change of government after his presidency, could not take place. Had to organize the Orange revolution, which, thank God, passed without bloodshed then.
Vladimir Zelensky
Kuchma more or less sorted out. Let’s move to the second line of the rating — acting President Vladimir Zelensky. To deal with it is not so easy, because he is still a cat in a bag. And not only he ze!-but his electorate.
Many politicians, opinion leaders expressed confidence that during the year of presidency rating Zelensky will fall through the floor. Because there is a good reason for this. First blessed by the incumbent President, the government was amateurish. The work was littered in all directions, especially for filling of the budget. Second, the government gives even less hope of success.
Zelensky ignored all his promises: from comic four thousand dollars on the salaries of teachers to “just stop shooting”. No war is not finished, nor the utility tariffs are not reduced. Zelensky without a twinge of conscience puts in key government positions to their friends and trusted individuals, it is not engaged in the fight against nepotism (cronyism). Even a promise not to go for a second term Zelensky has decided to review, honestly talked about this during his last press conference. And all this against the dark background of quarantine and coronavirus.
So, maybe it is time to organize another Maidan and to expel former comedian of the government offices where he is supposed to be. Such statements can often be read in those Facebook users who, to their avatars, attach stickers: “25%”, “Think!” “The army, Language, Faith” and the like. To kick Zelensky, because he wants the Ukrainian society. But wait: is it going to be?
Look at the results of public opinion survey by the sociological group “Rating”. According to him, if presidential elections was held in Ukraine in the near future, then the current President in the first round would be the undisputed leader, although not have gained victory in a single round. Taking into account those who are going to vote and have already decided on their candidate, Zelensky would win 39.3 percent of the votes. We will remind, last year during the actual voting in the first round he was supported by 30.6% of the Ukrainian voters. Yuriy Boyko, according to recent polls, gaining 13.9% and Petro Poroshenko and 13.3%, Yulia Tymoshenko is 8.6%.
Good sociology Zelensky has relatively the second round. Whomever he faced in the match, he wins with the support of 74-75%. That is, again, the results are better than last year. Zelensky is still the most popular politician, both in the West and in the East and in the centre, and the South. Such a convincing national consensus on some of the personality of the newest history of Ukraine still does not remember. Here’s a bizarre phenomenon.
In good standing Zelensky remains of Western leaders. They are impressed by his approach to the issue of the occupied territories. First of all, it demonstrates the flexibility of instruments and at the same time the hardness in relation to the Kremlin. While in European capitals the current President is criticized for the slowness of reforms.
But what to do, its seemingly all-encompassing power was not too stable. Monopolist in Parliament only at the start played the role of “mad printer”, and then stalled and began to fall apart under the pressure of external forces. Therefore, it is difficult even to predict where you will be Zelensky and your rating, when the quarantine will significantly destroy the social base, and the number of correct parliamentary infantry will be reduced to a critical level.
Leonid Kravchuk
Third in the ranking is Leonid Kravchuk. Well, the status of the first President affected. At the same time with it we will long associate the rapid socio-economic decline of Ukraine, hyperinflation, defective money, the loss of nuclear status and so on.
But still worth to give him credit, in the fall of 2001, it is the “sly Fox” Kravchuk organized a strong campaign for Ukrainian independence. Maybe someone else remembers those movies about the bright prospects of Ukrainian, where a refrain (the main theme) were the words: “Independent Ukraine to be!”. And the result is more than convincing: for 90.32% of Ukrainian citizens voted for independence. For that alone, he deserved to have his name forever in gold letters was inscribed in the annals (chronicle) national history.
Petro Poroshenko
Not too honorable fourth place went to Peter Poroshenko. What is he disrespectful? After all he has achieved and the introduction of a visa-free regime for Ukrainians, and Thomas. Bravely fought a war with Russia. The refined English denounced the aggressive policy of the Kremlin on a variety of international venues. Poroshenko led Ukraine from “peschanokopskogo” the crisis has provided economic growth, albeit not too high. When his presidency was raised to the status of the Ukrainian language received the support of Ukrainian education, Ukrainian movies, music, radio, TV. All of this, for example me, as a true patriot, can not but rejoice.
But failed Peter A. to provide a reliable support. Many TV stations are mercilessly criticized his work but also him personally. There was quite a lot of far-fetched accusations. However, it was enough and fair criticism. It is possible to remember and “Panama case” that occurred in the days of Ilovaisky boiler, and the rapid growth of the business “Roshen”, which strangely came to the presidency, and the questionable contracts of its affiliated companies, including in the defense sector. We should not forget the manipulation of the military situation, a strange tightening of anti-Russian sanctions, incomprehensible involvement in the negotiation process Medvedchuk and Kuchma.
But let it all specialists from the investigating authorities. A year ago, some politicians predicted that Poroshenko would be at the dock as soon as I clear out my office on Bankova. As you can see, so far this has not happened. Therefore, we will follow the development of events.
Viktor Yanukovych
I would, of course, to the founder of the criminal regime was the last in the ranking, and sometimes even didn’t get him as a national traitor. But as said the first President, we have what we have. Yanukovych, on the fifth, penultimate place. Still in Ukraine, supporters of the President, which turned Ukraine into a mega corrupt state, where the successful business could have taken away from the rightful owner quite simple. Yet a little, and Ukraine would become the second Belarus, in the sense of dependent on the Kremlin, and I would have lost all subjectivity.
It is a pity that people have forgotten about the death on the Maidan, the Heavenly hundred, on the invitation of Russian troops in Ukraine. Public memory sometimes does strange things.
Viktor Yushchenko
That it was necessary to know of the policy with the highest rating from the most coveted of the President, the favorite of the audience to turn into a complete political loser. Whether deserved? Not really. We had forgotten that it was under the presidency of Yushchenko, Ukrainians have reached the highest prosperity in the nearly 30-year-old Ukrainian story. 2007-2008… to the skies, growing consumption, people buy art, cars, real estate, and the like. It was at that time housing prices have grown enormously, never, neither before nor after the square meters did not cost so much.
A cruel joke played with Viktor Andreyevich inflated expectation from him. “Yu-puppy-Ko, Yu-puppy-Ko!” — cried millions of Ukrainians. And he didn’t know what to do with this whole incredible popular support. And so all her and missed.
But, at least, do not hurt. Nazarean was a bit of a state, actually in his village. Provided real estate and eldest son Andrew, who now only charges on the lease can live like a British Lord. We have not forgotten about the hospital of the future. Virtual, – for real money. All these hundreds of millions vanished into thin air. The hospital was never built, and everyone who was involved in the project will never again live in poverty.
But you could say a good word about Yushchenko. Yet he was able to courageously reject the multi-vector policy of Leonid Kuchma, clearly taking a course on the EU and NATO. It was under his presidency we first saw in cinemas, American films dubbed in the Ukrainian language. In General, he asked the Ukrainian trend, which to some extent is supported currently, he began to realize the slogan “Away from Moscow, let’s be on Europe.” So still respect it deserves little more than the last place in the presidential rating.
