"I do not believe in a state-controlled model in the industry"
The government should stage transparent and fair privatizations in the coal industry to ensure its development, Victor Yushchenko said during a meeting with Ukrainian miners in the Luganskvugillya mines, according to the President`s press-office.
“I do not believe in a state-controlled, monopolistic model in the industry. This is a very difficult and wrong path,” he said.
The President said private businessmen were often more efficient than state managers.
“The state is weak in business. Any business it controls sooner or later faces very serious structural challenges,” he said, adding, however, that the government should control some strategically important sectors.
He called on the miners to be more liberal.
“Nobody says the government will take your money and send it somewhere. We can reinforce our financial influence on the sector if there are motivations along with state funds,” he said, adding that those “motivations” were a good salary.