project

On May 24, Bendukidze Free Market Center presented its initiative to develop a radical reform program during the Kyiv stage of the all-European Free Market Road Show. During the summer the Center is planning to hold discussions and finalize it with leaders of the reformist forces, and, in the fall, to publish the reform plan that will enable Ukraine's economic breakthrough.

The idea of Bendukidze Free Market Center is to create a program of radical reforms that will change the dynamics of the intellectual and political debate in the country. Ukraine, which has long been a country with an ever-growing potential - that is, one that constantly lags behind its neighbors and reduces its share in the global economy, should finally start realizing its potential.

Now we are at the bottom of the so-called cycle of half-reforms. Public attitudes are becoming more radical. It means that not only the populist opposition has to radicalize, but also reformers who want real change instead of the return to the weak, corrupt economic system of the past. This will allow the reformers to have a strong showing at the next elections. The key to success is a coalition of moderate and radical reformers.

One of the most important principles of our Agenda is being realistic while demanding the impossible. This is the main difference from the moderate wing of the reformers who must act taking into account the existing political constraints. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why after the victory of Maidan Ukraine did not receive a truly radical agenda. Without it, it is pointless to hope that the leaders will be able to have political will. The political will is preceded by the intellectual one embodied in programs, bills, etc...

The new Agenda has two objectives. We need to depoliticize the process of economic decision-making as much as possible, both at the macro and micro levels. Businesses need to compete in markets not in session rooms or the Presidential Administration. Households have to rely on themselves instead of expecting that politicians will solve all the problems for them. The second objective is to open ways for people's self-development, creating the order of open access in Douglass North's terms.