«It's a daily struggle against temptation», — Sienkevych gave a lecture to students on overcoming corruption

Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych lectured young people on the nature of corruption and the mechanisms that allow the system to strengthen or weaken corruption risks.

He addressed Mykolaiv students during a speech before a film about anti-corruption bodies, according to NikVesti.

The mayor of Mykolaiv explained that any system — from the state to the family — consists of elements, connections, rules and the paradigm in which they exist. According to him, the easiest elements to change are «elements» — individuals at all levels. It is much more difficult to change the rules and paradigm that shape the culture of behaviour.

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«We may have a new president or CEO, but if the rules and connections don't change, the system will work the same way. And changing the paradigm is the hardest thing to do. Some people still live in the paradigm of the Soviet Union: the day was wasted if they didn't learn something from work. Of course, the role of the individual in history should not be underestimated. There are some outstanding elements that could change the course of history. We know such people: Louis XIV, Napoleon Bonaparte. Putin. Putin is also an element that was able to change and adjust the paradigm of this country, the whole country, where they are fighting Ukrainians because they are defending their state. They are not killing people who are nearby, but defending their state,» the mayor said.

Oleksandr Sienkevych believes that corruption is a consequence of human temptation and stressed that governance mechanisms should be designed to minimise the possibility of personal gain for officials.

«When you Christians pray to God, you recite the Lord's Prayer. There is a line in it: 'And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Human is constantly subject to temptation. But each of you, when tempted, is likely to give in to it. Changing the rules in the system and connections is about reducing this temptation. For example, I am a man who works in a team. I have rules. I don't work or hire women I like, like women with blue eyes, blondes. So that it does not distract me from my work, and secondly, so that I do not succumb to temptation. Students ask me what the hardest part of my job is. I answer: the daily struggle with temptation. When someone's benefit may depend on my decision, there is a risk that someone will succumb to temptation — and corruption arises,» he said.

According to the mayor, it is impossible to eradicate corruption completely. But it is possible to reduce its level by changing the rules and connections, not just the personalities.

He paid special attention to the different types of motivation — financial, ego and missionary motivation. He cited the example of Mahatma Gandhi as a person who chose to serve society.

«Personal gain should not be on the agenda of a decision-maker. Then the system works more honestly. I will always refer to the example of Mahatma Gandhi, who said: «I am the one who will make India free». That is, the man had a mission. After his death, he left his robe, some flip flops, a notebook and a stick there. His name has remained forever in the history of India and in world history. Is it possible for everyone to be a missionary? It is impossible. It is important, but impossible. It is also important that all of us become known all over the world. This is what we would like to do, and we are striving for this so that each of you can show your best qualities and become famous in Mykolaiv, in Ukraine, and in the world. This is, perhaps, the task of the state and local government. To provide you with such opportunities and help you to maximise your potential,» said Oleksandr Sienkevych.

As a reminder, the youth centre «Khvylia» in Mykolaiv City Council hosted a screening of the documentary «After the Era of Silence» about the work of anti-corruption bodies.

We would like to emphasise that back in the summer, against the backdrop of restrictions on the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych expressed his position on the body's activities. He stressed that all law enforcement agencies in Ukraine should be independent.

Although back in 2021, the mayor of Mykolaiv, Oleksandr Sienkevych, called «NABU an instrument of political persecution». This statement was made by the mayor against the backdrop of searches by NABU investigators in the apartment of the deputy mayor and then director of the housing and communal services department, Serhii Korenev.

The investigative actions in the official's apartment were related to corruption in the reconstruction of Soborna Square.