Vitaliy Portnikov, a prominent Ukrainian publicist and journalist, shares his insights in an interview about the recent corruption scandal, the political situation and the challenges of national identity.
Portnikov examines the roots of corruption in the state system, emphasizing the consequences of electing inexperienced leaders and the importance of balancing power to minimize abuses. He focuses on the idea of a national unity government and references other countries' experience in fighting corruption.
He also addresses language policy, stressing the necessity of supporting the Ukrainian language as the foundation of national identity. Portnikov notes that the Russian language was imposed in many regions and that returning to Ukrainian is a key state goal.
Other topics discussed include the responsibility of political parties for Ukraine's future, the role of political infantilism in elections, the transformation of Ukrainian identity from an ethnic to a political project, and the importance of historical memory. Parallels are drawn with developments in the USA and European countries.
The interview concludes with discussion of Ukrainian culture, street name changes, preservation of linguistic heritage and the country's prospects. Portnikov underlines that the country's progress and the overcoming of corrupt identities are only possible through unity of patriotic forces and an understanding of democratic values.
