Poroschenko writes:\u00a0 The former system of governance in Ukraine in which public officials and prominent businesspeople operated under the table and above the law, shut us off from the rest of Europe. For Europe, with all its existing problems and challenges, has codified a system of checks and balances and a system of laws. Europe represents Ukraine\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
My recent decision to\u00a0 dismiss the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region is indicative of this drive to prevent the inappropriate influence of private interests on the state. The rule of law is of utmost importance in the new Ukraine, and there is no longer any tolerance for actions that undermine equality before the law. Public officials and large business owners are regular citizens like pensioners, students, workers, and small businessmen, in fact, just like everybody else. Those accused of abuse of power, corruption, or other offences are subject to the law regardless of their personal connections or wealth.<\/p>\n
Viktor Shokin, our general prosecutor, has said as much, stating that there are no untouchables in Ukraine \u2013 not even the prime minister or president.<\/p>\n
But we cannot simply push our way to justice. Justice is not the revenge of new authorities over previous administrations. Justice is blind to the untouchables, whether they are from the old or new authorities. The road forward is still long, but we\u2019ve already started.<\/p>\n