Ukrainian businessman Ihor Kolomoisky said he believes Interior Minister Arsen Avakov is a stabilizing factor in Ukraine and should continue serving in a new government.
“I believe this has been the most successful and professional government minister over the past five years. And the least scandalous one, practically not scandalous at all. And who has carried out a reform that is working this way or another. Now we have patrol police, for instance,” Kolomoisky said in an interview shown in the Bihus.Info investigative journalism program.
“What problems do we have with the Interior Ministry? Passports are issued, IDs are issued. No lines, everything is good,” Kolomoisky said. “We have a very high crime detection rate. I mean street crimes and other criminal offences – I believe (their detection rate) is among the highest ones, comparable to European. Ninety percent of our crimes are domestic crimes, which is not a problem at all,” he said.
“I believe he should stay (in a new government). It seems to me he is kind of a stabilizing factor. No matter what’s happened in the country, he is like some foundation. This is a feeling I have,” he said.
Asked whether Avakov could be appointed prime minister, Kolomoisky replied: “I don’t know, he should be asked himself whether he would like to. But in terms of his education level and everything, I believe he is qualified for that.”
Kolomoisky said that, apart from Avakov, no other members of the current Ukrainian Cabinet deserve commendation, even though “some correct things” have been done in the Justice Ministry.
