Kharkiv Mayor Terekhov: Reforms Must Empower Citizens, Not Weaken Them.

Statement by Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov

According to Novyny.live: Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov has responded to international partners urging Ukraine to accelerate reforms, stressing that wartime policies must prioritize public support. He warned that abrupt economic measures could severely harm citizens already facing immense hardship.

Speaking on January 20 amid the Davos summit, Terekhov expressed specific concerns about potential changes to tax policy and utility rates. He argued that the following measures would be particularly unfair while hundreds of thousands of families lack electricity, heating, and water:

• raising taxes for individual entrepreneurs,
• increasing household utility tariffs,
• reducing or canceling state subsidies.

"Every decision made today must pass one crucial test: does it make people stronger, or does it leave them without support?"

Ihor Terekhov

Terekhov further stated that fairness is a vital component in this context and must work in favor of Ukrainians, as justice during a crisis can become a powerful weapon. His comments highlight the difficult balance Ukraine must strike between necessary reforms and immediate social protection.

Consequently, the Mayor of Kharkiv called for caution in enacting economic decisions, emphasizing the critical need to support the population during war and economic instability. His statement underscores the urgency of social justice and economic aid in wartime Ukraine.

Against the backdrop of a severe energy crisis, Terekhov's remarks reflect broader concerns that government initiatives must account for the population's dire needs. Prioritizing citizen welfare in policy design is essential for maintaining social stability during these challenging times.