You're reading: Yanukovych: People expect concrete steps from politicians, rather than promises and slogans

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said he is confident that democratic values are common to all Ukrainian politicians who care about the fate of the country.

“Our movement as a united nation is impossible without political
reconciliation. The elections to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine showed
that all parliamentary political parties without exception were
advocating reform, the modernization of the country, and the achievement
of high standards of living. This creates prerequisites for political
consensus and opens up prospects for the quick and successful reform of
our state,” he said at a meeting on the occasion of the Day of Unity and
Liberty at the Ukraina National Palace of Arts in Kyiv on Tuesday.

He said the main thing is whether individual politicians manage to
put aside their own ambitions for the sake of a common goal: “The only
thing is whether at a critical moment our politicians will manage to put
aside their own ambitions for the sake of our common cause – the
development of a rich and strong Ukraine.”

The head of state said that politicians in Ukraine are united by such
democratic values as freedom of speech, thought and choice.

He also called on politicians to concrete actions instead of voicing slogans.

“People don’t expect promises and slogans from politicians, as well
as the fight under loud but empty drums. Ukraine and its people need
practical steps to improve the law, overcome corruption and punish
lawlessness,” Yanukovych said.