Despite the agreement between business and the authorities, the “oligarch register” was launched.
Minister of Justice Denys Malyusyka believes that Rinat Akhmetov no longer falls under the criteria for recognition as an oligarch, set forth in the law on de-oligarchization. This happened thanks to his closing of the media and drafting of a mandate by Vadim Novinsky.
“Mr. Novinsky was a direct link for recognizing Mr. Akhmetov as an oligarch. Because they are business partners, and Mr. Novinsky, as a people's deputy, is a political figure. The refusal of the mandate removed Mr. Akhmetov's direct connection with the parliament and the most obvious sign of participation in political life,” Malyuska said during the OPORA.Live discussion.
The minister suggests that Akhmetov may not have given up his media completely and leave the opportunity to return to the media business. The SCM company emphasizes that only broadcast licenses were given to the state, there is no mention of the assets of Media Group Ukraine.
Akhmetov is not going to sell assets, citing martial law. According to Malyusyka, the asset owner is preparing for a court battle. System Capital Management denies this.
“We are stopping the work of all media sites – in accordance with the direct norm of the discrimination law. We will not give any reason to say that we will somehow maintain our presence in the media. There won't be any quasi-formats,” the director of public relations and communications of SCM said in a comment to ZN.UANatalia Yemchenko.
By law, an oligarch is considered a person who meets three of the four criteria:
- participates in political life;
- has significant influence on mass media;
- is the beneficiary of a monopoly;
- has assets of approximately UAH 2.5 billion.
Read also : Akhmetov was told the details: what is being done with the publications and how long the TV channels will be talking
It was not the money and losses caused by the war of Akhmetov's business that became the main reason for the closure of Media Group Ukraine. What prompted him to take such a step right now, read in Valery Kalnysh's article “Why Akhmetov will remain an oligarch, and the president may become a media mogul” in ZN. strong>UA.
See special topic: Akhmetov gave his media business to the state The businessman said that he does not want to be considered an oligarch and called the step forced. By the end of the war, there may be no oligarchs in Ukraine – Shulyak The head of the “Servant of the People” party is sure that as a result, Ukraine will be able to separate politics and business in a civilized manner, without resorting to “decentralization”. Zelensky stayed in the same hotel as Kolomoisky in Bukovel – mass media The oligarch says he “doesn't plan” to meet the president. Groysman on de-oligarchization: there is a struggle for who will be the oligarch closest to power President Zelensky had all the tools for a real fight against monopolies. Selective de-oligarchization: The Washington Times criticized Zelensky for the war with Akhmetov amid the lack of energy reserves Zelensky is afraid of losing the next presidential election. The former comedian made weak progress with reforms and the fight against oligarchs, as he promised during his election campaign, the author emphasizes.
