First. It reflects the desires of our citizens. There is no inherent value in any mechanism of authority, unless there is popular support for it. About 70 percent of Ukrainians are in favor of early parliamentary elections, and it must be scheduled this fall. If for no other reason, we -- Ukrainian politicians -- have to do this to deliver on the promises of Euromaidan revolution.
Second. The sitting Parliament hardly represents the overwhelming sentiment among Ukrainians, who want peace, prosperity, better governances, and stronger institutions on a journey towards closer integration with the European Union. Instead, we find terrorist apologists among the Members of Parliament (MPs). There are many claims of direct links between some MPs and the atrocities committed by the Yanukovych regime, some in Parliament advocate on behalf of the aggressor who has annexed our land and is fueling conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Those allegations will have to be duly investigated and criminal activity prosecuted under the law. It is unsurprising, that some are clinging to their parliamentary immunity and opposing the new poll.
Third. Ukraine's future hinges on our ability to implement reforms. Uniting the country, clamping down on corruption, and creating conditions for economic development should be a guiding principle informing Parliament's legislative agenda. Difference of opinions as to how we can best achieve our vision is most welcomed, but some in the Parliament today do not share the vision for new Ukraine. They are keen on preserving the status quo, focused on advancing their personal interest at the expense of the people, and sabotage reforms as a matter of political strategy.
The momentum for change is felt across the country, civil society is mobilized, and various consultative groups are formed to look for innovative solution, evaluate policies, and propose reforms. But then, the best of the initiatives never get implemented. The sitting Parliament, where at least half of the delegates can be qualified as unprincipled populists at best and outright criminals at worst, is incapable of acting on behalf of the people and it must be dissolved. MPs like Mr Kilinkarov, who is allegedly storing ammunition and weapons for pro-Russian terrorists in his own house, are a disgrace. Our legislative body needs to rid itself from those who have lost the trust of the people.
Benchmarking against the new EU states, which have succeeded in their transitions and have attained high standards of living, it must be noted that they did not waste any time in the early years in vain disputes. The key to their success was a unity of purpose not just among the People, but also among their representatives. The right conditions were created when the "old guard" was thrown out in the Parliamentary elections. Two times Ukraine had almost grasped a chance for a real transformation, in 1991 when the Soviet Union fell and again in 2005 after the Orange Revolution, but we failed to "reset" our legislative body, and the results are palpably apparent.
So today we are launching a constitutional mechanism that will give the president an opportunity to dissolve the Parliament and call for early elections.
If we are to change anything, we must begin with ourselves.