Criticism of Proposed Social Spending Cuts in Ukraine
Oleh Popenko, an expert in housing and energy, has criticized proposals to reduce social expenditures in Ukraine, including child birth benefits. He argued that the idea of cutting social programs while the state faces a budget shortfall is misguided. Popenko stressed that before resorting to reductions in social welfare, the government must halt funding for the administrations of cities under Russian occupation.
Funding for Occupied Cities and Corruption
During a broadcast on his YouTube channel, 'Oleh Popenko PRO,' the expert pointed out that the administrations of cities like Donetsk, Luhansk, Mariupol, and Melitopol continue to receive state funds, despite some having been occupied for 4 or even 10 years. He highlighted that these city halls, which are essentially non-functional, persist and continue to spend budgetary resources.
'We essentially have dozens of city halls that have long been occupied. They exist, they purchase things, they collect some taxes, they have vehicles parked somewhere that haven't been needed for ages. But they exist, they are there. So the question is: who needs this?' – Oleh Popenko
The expert also emphasized that during the war, there have been scandalous construction projects, like stadiums, and other schemes indicating corrupt practices. Given the state's financial difficulties, Popenko believes that reducing social spending, which directly impacts citizens' welfare, is unacceptable.
'If we start thinking: let's cut social programs for everyone, even to the point of cutting support for mothers, that's just foolishness' – Oleh Popenko
Popenko's comments underscore the urgency of the debate over social program funding in Ukraine, especially amid economic strain. This discussion takes place as Ukraine manages a wartime economy with significant international financial support. The continued financing of occupied city administrations, in the expert's view, points to an inefficient use of budget funds. This situation necessitates a review of spending priorities to ensure support for the most vulnerable populations during the war.