During war, parliament should be engaged in defense of state, protect army - Poroshenko
Petro Poroshenko, during his speech from the rostrum of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, called on the mono-majority to direct all resources to defense, reduce non-targeted spending and stop killing the economy by raising taxes for honest businesses.
"We are the only parliament in the entire history of the Verkhovna Rada that has been working for six years, although in the elections we received a constitutional mandate from the Ukrainian people to work for five years. Why are we working for the sixth year? Because it is wartime. Therefore, we do not hold elections, but must organize the defense of the state. Therefore, the parliament should not deal with any other issues than the defense of the state," Poroshenko is convinced.
"I want to emphasize that in both budget and tax matters, the key word should be fairness, transparency, and justification of expenditure. Is the tax increase that they will try to approve in this hall today really for financing the army? What about UAH 3 billion cashback? What about industrial parks? What about investment nannies that violate the competitiveness of the economy? What about other taxes that turn the Ukrainian economy into scorched earth?" Poroshenko noted.
"I demand that we have a transparent and effective discussion with the government regarding the justification of expenditure," Poroshenko said. He also called the situation surreal when, 15-20 kilometers from the contact line, road construction continues in frontline areas. "What is this if not madness? Cut expenses. Don't kill the economy. Don't burden those who fairly pay taxes. Another thing - return personal income tax to the military, to the accounts of the brigades, because the 60% that you took in November was not used," Poroshenko reminded.
"And one more thing. The army needs not only money, but also honor and respect. When one inadequate MP discredits the army, the Verkhovna Rada must have the political will to say this, to protect the Armed Forces of Ukraine and every soldier. I am sure that today we have enough strength and wisdom for this," Poroshenko summed up