OREANDA-NEWS. December 02, 2010. Dear compatriots!

The debate around the Tax Code showed how difficult the process of modernization of the country is.

Vast majority of the citizens of Ukraine recognizes the need for qualitative change in our lives.

We are united in the effort to make the state strong and fair, improving people's welfare.

We are following the path of reforms that were made by the whole developed world. And it begins with bringing order in the economy and finances of the country.

It is a guarantee of success of the whole process of reforming the state.

We have no choice but to fight the shady economy. It yields corruption, poses a threat to democratic rights and freedoms, does not allow Ukraine to take its rightful place in the civilized world.

The Tax Code must become an effective and fair tool in fighting the shady economy, the transparent mechanism of filling national budget, the driving force of modernization.

Only on the basis of new tax system, major increase of pensions and higher wages, quality healthcare, modern science and education are possible.

It must be respected by the citizens and trusted by domestic entrepreneurs and foreign investors.

Clearly spelled out rules of tax payment is also an effective mechanism of fighting corruption, this severe social illness of our society.

Both, a tax inspector and businessman must know their duties and bear responsibility for misinterpretation of laws and corruption.

I am sure: Ukraine can become a modern state only given a solid and transparent financial basis.

During the preparation and discussion of the Code I have repeatedly stressed that it has to do with such sensitive subjects as human rights and freedoms and their protection from arbitrary rule of government officials.

Every citizen should feel that the Code takes into account both the needs of the state and his or her own interests.

Therefore, every decision should have been clearly verified, well calculated and understandable to the society, no matter how difficult it is.

After studying provisions of the Tax Code carefully, I saw that not all of them meet such requirements.

I share concerns of the people that the bill has significantly limited the rights of entrepreneurs and excessively increased role of the Tax Administration.

I strongly object to such an approach and using the right of veto, return the Tax Code to the Parliament.

I demand thorough and rapid work on the Tax Code of the MPs.

Also, I demand that the Government reformed the tax authorities to ensure their transparent operation and prevent administrative arbitrariness and abuse.

I know that in recent years the society has lost its trust in the government.

Corruption, bureaucracy, political selfishness and idle demagoguery have created a huge chasm between the government and the society.

Only together, by maintaining a constant dialogue and returning confidence and hope to our society we can bridge this chasm.