It would take years to reform Ukrzaliznytsia even with political support – Company head
It would take years to systemically reform public joint-stock company Ukrzaliznytsia even with political support, Ukrzaliznytsia Chairman Wojciech Balczun has said.
"Since the start of my mission in Ukraine I hear two words: quick victories and publicity. It is interesting what would colleagues from Germany or other European countries, where the systemic reforms on railways have been introducing for many years, say? I think that they would laugh or twist a finger at a temple. The reformation of railways, especially such a big one as Ukrzaliznytsia, requires time. If we add the amount of pathologies implausible in the western world we should speak about years, but only with absolute political support," he said in a statement for media posted on the company's website on Thursday.
Balczun said that during many weeks he heard about the preparation of an information campaign in mass media against him.
"It is nothing to be surprised at, as we start slightly really control Ukrzaliznytsia. We more often managed to do things in line with the interests of the railways, and not under the principle to permit external suppliers and intermediaries to earn," he said.
Balczun said an attack via media is the last resort for opponents to accuse the new head of Ukrzaliznytsia of inability to cope with the tasks set before him.
"In Poland, when we started reforming PKP Cargo, the situation was similar. Everyone who lost control and influence came to the minister with slogans: what Balczun is doing. The minister took my side. Then we conducted the most successful reform of the railway in Europe. If Ukraine wants to think about real and systemic reforms, it should be patient," he said.