On Constitution Day, June 28, leading Ukrainian entrepreneurs published a Manifesto addressed to the government, in which they urged the implementation of Article 42 of the Basic Law, guaranteeing the right to entrepreneurial activity. At present, businessmen note, it is quite difficult to exercise this right due to the wave of corruption and raiding attacks that has swept over Ukraine.
Mind investigated: what is the basis of this call and what reaction can businessmen expect.
Who signed the Manifesto? Among the signatories of the document are well-known names. The Head of the holding Astarta Kyiv (leader of the sugar market) Viktor Ivanchik; owner of Concord Capital Ihor Mazepa, top manager of pharmaceutical giant Filia Zhebrovska – nearly half a hundred well-known business figures, and this list is growing.
The organisational formalities were taken care of by the Federation of Employers of Ukraine.
What is the basic complaint about the system of interaction between government and business established in Ukraine? In short: "lawlessness," especially in the execution of law enforcement and judicial bodies, which act with the connivance of the government.
"Lawlessness by those in uniform and judicial robes has crossed all boundaries. There is a war going on, so it is even more criminal from their side," the Manifesto text suggests. "Illegal pressure on business owners from corrupt officials has already caused the second wave of industrial business emigration abroad. This is a permanent loss of jobs."
"Today corruption at all levels of government has reached such a level that it almost makes it impossible for businesses to work under already difficult conditions. I hope we will be heard at least on this day [Constitution Day]," wrote Ihor Mazepa.
Why did this situation arise in the first place? Because in the conditions of martial law, any public protests are interpreted as betrayal of the motherland – the opportunities for entrepreneurs to defend their rights have significantly narrowed. Considering the already established law enforcement vertical, a closed loop and absolute mutual responsibility of law enforcement agencies have been created in Ukraine.
"Since raiders in public service are confident of their impunity, business accepts this challenge. We will form a public register of raiders, including shameful law enforcers and judges," entrepreneurs announce.
Does this balance of power affect the military situation, or are these purely internal problems of the "economic front"? Indirectly – yes, business problems also reflect on the country's defensibility.
Raiding attacks coordinated by corrupt officials undermine the stability of the state, as the Armed Forces are financed from business taxes. This is a matter of national security.
Is there any feedback from the government? Volodymyr Zelensky plans to hold a meeting with entrepreneurs on Thursday, June 29. Among the issues for discussion – the relationship between business and law enforcement, the shadow market, and tax reform.