Azarov: we must rid ourselves of dishonorable officials
Ukraine's Premier Mykola Azarov has said he supports a considerable increase in the severity of punishment for driving a car in a state of intoxication, especially, for civil servants and representatives of the authorities.
"Drunk driving is always a crime. And when he [driver] has powers and authorities it's beyond the bounds of good and evil. People are shocked that it's even possible and, unfortunately, don't believe there is fair punishment for such drunk criminals. Such cases are a challenge to society and challenge to the state," the premier said during the opening of a government meeting on Wednesday.
According to Azarov, the time to significantly aggravate responsibility for drunk driving of transport, as well as for conceal or forgery of the materials regarding such crimes, came.
"I'm sure that the main reason here is a feeling of impunity and the absence of proper moral qualities of individual state structures. You indulge the unscrupulousness of individual leaders. We should resolutely rid ourselves of dishonorable officials," the premier said.
According to him, when this concerns civil servants, they should be deprived of their duties, and when they are definitely found guilty, they should be dismissed from their jobs.
The prime minister proposed to launch a large-scale preventive campaign among civil servants and law enforcement agencies to prevent such violations.
"During the prevention campaign it's necessary on principle eliminate such factors of risk, not to allow people who don't have proper moral and professional qualities to work at state agencies. It's necessary to do that in a way respectful to the person, but absolutely without compromise," Azarov said.
