Corruption should be exposed. This will improve Ukraine’s image in Europe

The authoritative nationwide outlet «Dzerkalo Tyzhnia» has published an interview with the director of the Institute of Sociology of the NAS of Ukraine, corresponding member of the NAS of Ukraine, Prof. Ye. Holovakha.

 The overarching theme of Yuliia Melnychuk’s conversation with the scholar was the fight against corruption, although the range of questions was not limited to it. As the journalist herself put it: «When you have doubts about something, it is worth consulting a sage». Ms Yuliia began her consultation with a dilemma: perhaps it would be worth postponing loud exposures and scandals on the anti-corruption front until after the war, so as not to undermine the trust of our Western partners in us? To which Ye. Holovakha spoke out firmly in favour of an immediate and consistent struggle: «Ukraine wants not only to win the war but also to become, once and for all, a civilised European country. So this will not reduce support; on the contrary, it will show that Ukraine really does meet all the criteria of a candidate country for EU membership. Corruption should be exposed. This will improve Ukraine’s image in Europe».

 Speaking of state policy towards front-line veterans, Ye. Holovakha stressed that a programme is needed for the inclusion of veterans in peacetime society, one that would take into account both the social and the psychological problems of those who have been through the hell of war and would rule out disappointment among our defenders and the emergence of emotionally agitated moods. For there may be those who would not mind stirring up possible discontent and pushing veterans into some kind of protest actions.

 Commenting on society’s heightened reaction against everything Russian, Ye. Holovakha stated in a balanced way: «Ukrainian is the state language. In accordance with all the norms of world legislation, all citizens must have a command of the state language. And Russian is the language of Ukraine’s largest national minority. That is, in accordance with the Constitution, it must, despite understandable emotions, be protected. We must be guided by reason and by legislation – both national and the laws of the EU, which we aspire to join».

 Pointing to the historical absence of independent statehood experience over the centuries, which hinders us even now, Ye. Holovakha nevertheless stressed that

we do after all have certain successes in building a system of state life: «Under the influence of tragic events we are becoming better». Illustrating this thesis with the results of studies conducted at the Institute of Sociology of the NAS of Ukraine, the scholar pointed out: «There is less cynicism. Far less fatalism and indulgence towards petty bribery. Previously 77% of those surveyed took a cynical position with regard to those around them, and now — 54%. These are substantial changes that have taken place over the past year. People have seen selflessness in others and have come to trust more. There is even less bewilderment — that anomic demoralisation. There is more optimism, more grassroots initiative. All this will add to the mechanisms of governance».

 Ukrainian sociologists, including those from other research institutions, keep their finger on the pulse of society and inform the public in good time about moods, the resources of resilience, the elements of fatigue and the still sufficiently high orientation towards victory. For such an orientation to be preserved and even strengthened, in Ye. Holovakha’s view, three factors are needed first of all: the assistance of partners, a sensible policy on the part of the authorities and a strong, successful army.

 Analysing the interaction of integrative and confrontational processes in Ukrainian society, Ye. Holovakha warned against complacency, since the high level of the present unity of Ukrainians under the effect of the mortal danger from the aggressor may naturally weaken after victory, and then certain horizons of internal social confrontation will become more visible and palpable. Political and civic mutual struggles will probably intensify. It will then be important to bring into play the factors that will damp them down, or at least weaken them.

 In conclusion Ye. Holovakha clearly expressed his confidence in the positive prospects for the country’s development: «First, we have withstood such a terrible invasion and we understand that Russia will not be able to liquidate Ukrainian statehood — we have preserved it by our resistance. Second, there is the support of the whole civilised world, which understands that the survival of Ukraine is the criterion of the survival of civilisation. In this sense Ukraine has good prospects.

In addition, the views of Ukrainians have changed substantially. Ukraine used to be an ambivalent country, that is, one with a dual vision of its place in the world. It could not decide where to go — to Europe, back to the USSR, or to choose some third path of its own. Now there are no doubts. Our path is to Europe».

Ye. Holovakha’s interview became one more occasion to inform the public about the scholarly achievements of the Institute of Sociology of the NAS of Ukraine and to send society positive messages about our inevitable victory and Ukraine’s encouraging prospects – provided that the efforts of each and every one are concentrated on building up our native country.