Time and again Ukraine is hit by outrageous cases of law enforcement officials committing crimes and walking free, at least initially. Or instances when mazhory, the children of the rich and powerful, abuse ordinary citizens with impunity. No aloof, abstract arguments about media freedoms or electoral legislation, no matter how valid, can elicit such a visceral reaction from people fed up with living in an unjust and unequal society.
Politically, it’s the lowest hanging-fruit there is. Everyone can understand the concept of holding law enforcement agencies accountable. Almost everyone has heard of instances of people they know falling victim to some kind of injustice.
Yet ready-made reform programs already exist, and it’s a campaign that can be run independently of track records. But this requires work – a sensible program, a proper campaign, and real efforts to mobilize the population – not just waiting for citizens to do the heavy lifting and then sweeping in and trying to look like a leader.
Whatever their ideology, religion or culture, people want to live in a safe and clean environment where their basic needs can be met without too much effort. A quick glance around the world shows just how dangerous poor management can be to governments: in Brazil higher bus fares led to massive protests, in Egypt insufficient garbage collection contributed to toppling a government.
Ultimately, it does not matter whether the impetus comes from the government or the opposition. Ukraine will benefit from having well-trained police officers, honest and efficient courts and procedures to hold those in office accountable. This would also help bring in investments and stimulate small and medium businesses, who currently struggle, lacking the politicians, business lobbies or embassies that protect their larger competitors in Ukraine’s lawless environment.
The voters won’t fail to reward whatever party moves first on the issue. The opposition has an easier hand to play, as not being in power means you don’t have to show results, at least immediately. But the ruling Party of Regions can also benefit if they deliver results. Whoever comes out on top in that competition, the winner will be clear: the Ukrainian people.
