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New Donetsk leader set to fulfill Power of Donbass strategy

Denis Pushilin was elected as head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic

DONETSK, November 14. /TASS/. Denis Pushilin, who was elected as head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic on Sunday, has pledged to continue fulfilling the Power of Donbass development strategy, which he promoted during his election campaign.

"The Power of Donbass strategy will continue being fulfilled. It has proved to be effective. What has been implemented throughout this time will continue," Pushilin said during his first press conference after the elections.

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Pushilin outlined three key priorities of his work: fight against corruption, integration with Russia and economic development. According to him, "ensuring the economic growth is a vital political goal of the DPR government, given the huge potential of Donbass."

"We do not want to be a region of consumers or a subsidized region," the newly elected leader said. "Donbass cannot only earn money for itself, but be ahead of many developed countries." He also vowed that the new authorities would work on the principles of transparency and red tape reduction. "The government will continue the line towards creating conditions for developing fair competition, transparency of norms and rules of carrying out economic activity and the sphere of monitoring or oversight," Pushilin stressed.

The Power of Donbass development strategy was approved at the Donetsk Republic public movement’s meeting in May 2018. It envisages speedy social and economic development of the DPR with the goal of increasing the welfare of its citizens. To this aim, the reforms on improving financial, budget and tax administration and creating conditions for developing entrepreneurship and attracting investments will be conducted.

At least 100,000 new jobs should be created in the republic in the next four years and workforce productivity should nearly double. This will allow increasing budget revenues and salaries. Under the program, public sector workers’ salaries grew 10%.

On November 11, the DPR held the elections of the republic’s head. Acting DPR leader Denis Pushilin won a landslide victory, securing 60.86% of the vote.

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