Ukrainian rock star and former Member of Parliament Svyatoslav Vakarchuk has announced he will not run for president of Ukraine in 2019.
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"I have repeatedly said that being in power as such, holding the presidential post as such is of no interest to me. I am interested in real changes in the country! And to dot the i's and cross the t's, to remove all questions, I officially declare: I, Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, will not take part in the presidential race in 2019," he said in a video message posted on his official YouTube channel.
According to Vakarchuk, he is well aware that he can do more for the country now by wearing jeans, than by "wearing a tie."
"And I am not going to stand aside. Every day, talking to people, I can feel their disappointment and despair. I see corruption and injustice corroding our country from the inside. I see unprincipled politicians and greedy officials making our country weaker. It doesn't have to be that way! And we can change this! My team and I will work to ensure that the pro-European forces win. I will work to bring to power as many young professionals as possible – people of the future, those for whom justice and state interests are above all! I believe that real changes are possible! And it makes no difference – either as a singer or a politician, I will always be with you on this path – the path of real changes!" the Ukrainian celebrity added.
