Tackling Corruption in Ukraine: Yulia Tymoshenko’s Vision of Blockchain Governance

Corruption: The Uninvited Guest in Ukraine

Ukrainians certainly didn’t invite corruption to their party, yet it seems to have RSVP’d and made itself at home. In a stirring Facebook post aligning with International Anti-Corruption Day, Yulia Tymoshenko, the former prime minister, laid bare the corruption woes plaguing modern Ukraine. Her statement was a clarion call for reforms, indicating that the battle against bribery is very much on the agenda for her party, the All-Ukrainian Union ‘Fatherland.’

Blockchain: The New Hero in the Fight Against Corruption

In a twist that might surprise some, Tymoshenko has turned to blockchain technology, dubbing it an ‘effective tool for public administration.’ Imagine a government system where registries are impervious to the corruption virus! Tymoshenko believes that by storing state registries on a blockchain, we can significantly reduce, if not extinguish, corrupt practices.

Why Blockchain?

Delving into the details, Tymoshenko articulated on more than one occasion that blockchain could revolutionize how we protect citizens’ data and ensure transparency. In her words, “Blockchain is a perfect anti-corruption technology, which is proven by international practice.” Let’s face it; if international practices were people, they’d be the groomsmen at corruption’s wedding!

Beyond Blockchain: Additional Measures Against Corruption

However, blockchain isn’t the only potion in Tymoshenko’s anti-corruption elixir. She has laid out a multi-pronged approach, advocating for the protection of Ukraine’s judiciary from the hairy hands of politicians. This mission involves:

• Reforming the court system to minimize legislative influence
• Initiating lawsuits against officials caught dabbling in bribery
• Addressing and dismantling monopolies that plague industries

Tymoshenko’s Political Journey

Yulia Tymoshenko isn’t new to the political battlefield; she’s donned her armor multiple times as Ukraine’s prime minister. Her first round of service kicked off in 2005, with a second term following between 2007 and 2010. Fast forward to June 2018, and she’s back in the ring, throwing her hat into the presidential race for 2019. Talk about a comeback tour!

Innovation on the Horizon: Ukraine’s Blockchain Voting

But Tymoshenko isn’t the only one exploring the blockchain terrain. The Ukrainian Electoral Commission has been experimenting with decentralized voting systems, recently piloting a system using 28 nodes on the NEM blockchain. Oleksandr Stelmakh, at the helm of the State Register, has indicated a commitment to continuing these experiments, hoping to transform the voting process. A digital revolution in governance? Count me in!

Introducing the E-Hryvnia

Additionally, in a move to elevate the national economy, Ukraine is contemplating the issuance of its own state-backed digital currency, the e-hryvnia. This initiative would seamlessly tie modern technology to the existing national fiat currency, the hryvnia, enhancing the scope for non-cash payments and lowering transaction costs. Sounds too good to be true? Well, as Tymoshenko’s campaign emphasizes, with the right technology, it could and should be!