OREANDA-NEWS. President Petro Poroshenko introduced new Zhytomyr RSA Head Ihor Hundych in the course of the working trip to Zhytomyr region.

The Head of State reminded that Ihor Hundych had won the contest for that post held under the legislative requirements.

The President noted that Zhytomyr region was lucky to have such a governor who would decently cope with the tasks set. “Political stability and reformist efforts of Zhytomyr region will be preserved. The issues of investments, road construction, anti-corruption activities, fair and transparent elections, protection of socially vulnerable people, increase of wages and all tasks set by me will be fulfilled by this powerful team. At least I am optimistic about the future,” Petro Poroshenko said.

The President thanked former governor Serhiy Mashkovskyi for his work. “He returns to the real sector, but his achievements in the region are worthy of respect,” the Head of State noted.

In his turn, Ihor Hundych thanked for the trust adding that he was obliged to justify expectations in the implementation of reforms. “I do not like showing off, because I used to work for the result and I am convinced that we will demonstrate it,” the new governor emphasized.

Petro Poroshenko noted that war was not an excuse for delaying reforms. “We must do everything to show example for others in the creation of investment climate, struggle against corruption, introduction of reforms and decentralization,” he said.

The Head of State emphasized that decentralization had taken its solid place in the structure of reforms of Ukraine. This reform is being implemented at the example of the EU. However, Ukraine already shares its experience with other countries. He noted that two years ago, when we had been speaking of decentralization, skeptical smiles had prevailed.

“Because this has been discussed long ago, for 25 years, but when it came to the main thing - the transfer of funds and authority - nothing happened,” the President said adding that budget decentralization had been ensured and local budgets had been increased at least by 50% compared with previous years.

Besides, united communities have an opportunity to conduct elections and they will be held in December. The President emphasized the importance of organization and implementation of those elections in compliance with the law and all democratic requirements.

The Head of State also recalled deregulation and abolition of useless permits, introduction of e-procurement, opening of centers for administrative services.

“Hundreds of billions of hryvnias have already been saved and only blind haven’t seen what had been done and what will be done next,” he said. “Defense, foreign policy, anti-corruption reforms, decentralization, deregulation, judicial reform.