KYIV. March 20 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Reaction of Ukrainians to the recent steps of authorities in the economic sphere show that demand for national protectionist practices and economic pragmatism has appeared in the country, Director of the Institute of Global Strategies Vadym Karasiov has said.

He said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on March 17 that the signing of the revised memorandum with the IMF and the approval of the EUR 600 million loan with the European Commission in exchange to Ukrainian timber is more likely evidence of economic nihilism than pragmatism.

"Authorities surrender the interests of Ukrainian pensioners and peasants in exchange to the IMF credits. The approval of the EUR 600 million by the European Commission is the sign of a decision of authorities to lift a moratorium on exports of round timber without securing approval of parliament. The Free Trade Agreement with Canada was signed on the conditions where Canada receives access to our market, while Ukraine gets minor quotas on exports of finished products. These are the scissors between rhetoric of patriotism and nihilistic economic decisions. The reaction of the public on these steps made by authorities shows that demand on national protectionist practices and economic pragmatism exists in Ukraine," Karasiov said.

The expert said that Ukrainians more clearly form demand on revival of national industry, escaping from dependence on credits, Ukraine's refusal from the fate of a mere supplier of raw materials, protection of business and social guarantees for the public.

"There are few politicians or public figures insisting on protectionist practices in the economy and presenting the clear rhetoric of protecting the interests of industry and the new economy. The industrial development committee was created in the Cabinet of Ministers. It came to nothing. Back then the Opposition Bloc tried to protect this rhetoric, but they failed to play a role of lobbyists for revival of industry. Activities of independent trade union leaders or a plan drawn up by a group of experts created by Valeriy Konovaliuk could be pointed out among new forces. Gradually there are more and more these politicians, and there is demand on these ideas in society," Karasiov said.