Minister Milovanov on Kolomoisky's words: “I don't hide that I'm an idiot”

Head of the Economy Ministry also said he agrees with the position of Studio Kvartal 95.

Economy Minister Timofey Milovanov reacted to the insult and harsh remark from oligarch Igor Kolomoisky, who earlier called the economy minister an “idiot”.

During a briefing on Tuesday, October 22, Milovanov noted that he does not hide this either, and then added that he was joking.

“Well, look, I don't hide that I'm an idiot. I'm joking,” — said the minister.

“The main thing is the results. In my view, the scandal is over, because everyone has spoken out. ... I think it is important that we see a discussion within society. Some people like the form of this discussion, some don't, but that is normal. Everyone has their own position. You can see that the positions are very different. This is what a free society really is,” — Milovanov added, noting that he is not offended.

“This is not about personalities. ... All people are good, circumstances differ. That is what economists think. ... Everyone fights for their own, that is normal. The task of the state is to be an arbiter and balance the rules of the game among everyone. All Ukrainians are good, but we must agree on the rules. ... So no, I am not offended by this or by much else at all,” — the head of the Economy Ministry stressed.

He also said that he agrees with the position of “Studio Kvartal 95”.

“By the way, I agree with “Kvartal” that as satire they can do anything. But that does not mean I don't have my own position. ... I expressed my position yesterday,” — said Minister Milovanov.

Earlier, a discussion began in Ukrainian media over the October 19 episode of the show “Evening Kvartal”, where a song mocking the fire at the home of former National Bank head Valeria Hontareva was aired. The episode also featured the Verevka Choir, for which its general director and artistic director Zinoviy Korinets later apologized.

“Kvartal” itself stated that their project is sharp political satire, and “it was, is and will be so, even if some politicians don't like it”.

Culture Minister Volodymyr Borodyansky apologized to Valeria Hontareva, Economy Minister Timofey Milovanov lamented the negative impact of Kvartal's joke about Hontareva on the investment climate in Ukraine, and Igor Kolomoisky, who owns the 1+1 Media holding, acknowledged that he liked the sketch.