Ukrainian MP Danilo Hetmansev's statement that "War is a time when everyone becomes poorer" has sparked outrage. He explained that increased social benefits didn't alleviate citizens' financial.
Ukraine. Danilo Hetmansew caused a storm. It's about costs
The words of Ukrainian MP Danilo Hetmansev have sparked outrage, as he stated in an interview, “War is a time when everyone becomes poorer”.
The politician attempted to clarify why the rise in social benefits did not lead to an improvement in the financial situation of citizens. Political and economic expert Taras Zagorodni commented, "This does not apply to bankers, financiers, oligarchs, and officials who aim to shift the costs of the war onto the majority of Ukrainians".
Unemployment and poverty rates in Ukraine have significantly increased due to the war. When questioned about the situation in the country, Danilo Hetmansev, the chairman of the Finance Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, responded, "It was entirely predictable", in an interview with RBK Ukraina.
In response to a journalist's inquiry about the impact of last year's increase in social benefits, Hetmansev stated, "Ukraine is in the midst of the largest war in 80 years.
During the war, people become poorer, and there is no government that can magically make them richer. Because of the war, we are experiencing a significant rise in unemployment and poverty", said the MP.
The politician's statement has stirred controversy, with political and economic expert Taras Zagorodni expressing his discontent on Facebook and pointing out “some nuances”.
He remarked, "This does not apply to bankers, financiers, oligarchs, and officials who want to pass on the costs of the war to the majority of Ukrainians." Many internet users also agreed with the outraged expert.
Regarding the economic outlook, the National Bank of Ukraine predicts an increase in Ukrainian wages in 2024. Experts note that due to structural problems in the labor market, including the departure of many individuals, companies struggle to find suitable specialists, leading to salary increases.
The Unian Agency reported that Ukraine lost a third of its GDP due to the Russian invasion. According to the head of the NBU, Kyiv's dependence on international financial aid is “critical”.