Who Does This Government Serve? Kremin’s Firing Triggers Outcry

Source: Author’s Facebook page

Can a Government That Scorns the Ukrainian Language Still Be Called Ukrainian?

The Cabinet of Ministers has dismissed the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, Taras Kremin — without explanation, without discussion, without public consultation. And, worst of all, in defiance of appeals from Ukraine’s leading intellectuals, including Lina Kostenko, Myroslav Marynovych, Oksana Zabuzhko, Serhiy Zhadan, Yuriy Andrukhovych, Oleksandra Matviychuk, Yosyp Zisels, and many others — individuals who are the voice of Ukraine in the world, its conscience, and its moral symbol.

Can such a government still be called Ukrainian?

Can a Ukrainian government ignore the appeals of the nation’s cultural leaders and act in violation of the Constitution, which guarantees the protection of the state language?

Do such decisions by ministers deserve public respect — in a country waging a battle for its survival?

Taras Kremin is not just a public official. He is someone who succeeded in establishing an effective institution that consistently defended the linguistic rights of Ukrainians, and promoted the Ukrainian language in education, culture, and the media. Today, as the Russian aggressor openly demands the “reduction of the Ukrainian language’s influence”, the dismantling of this very institution appears to be the realization of the enemy’s agenda.

Who is the government proposing as a replacement? None of the candidates meet the legal requirements. In other words, the government is not only ignoring the voice of Ukraine’s leading intellectuals — it is ignoring the law.

This is an act of gross irresponsibility. And there must be political accountability for it.

We — as citizens, as public figures, and as Ukrainians defending our state — have no right to remain silent. The post of Language Commissioner must be preserved. And the institution tasked with protecting the state language must remain strong, effective, and independent.

Because in protecting the Ukrainian language, we are protecting Ukraine itself.

As a reminder, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has decided to dismiss Taras Kremin from the position of Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language due to the expiration of his term of office. Previously, the official stated that he was “independent and inconvenient” for the authorities, as he openly pointed out shortcomings in the state’s language policy and submitted many initiatives.

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