Kalush mayor: Even if Christ ran the city, there would still be unhappy people

Andriy Naida, mayor of Kalush in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Photo: Halka

On July 13, 2026, Andriy Naida, the mayor of Kalush in Ukraine’s Ivano-Frankivsk region, said that even governance by Jesus Christ would not spare local authorities from criticism. He made the remarks in an interview with the Halka outlet.

Reflecting on public attitudes toward local government, Naida said that no leader can satisfy everyone, especially when difficult and unpopular decisions must be made.

“Even if Jesus Christ were running the city, half the people would still be unhappy. That's our mentality – people don't like those in power. And I accept that quite normally,” the mayor said.

According to Naida, public opinion can change dramatically because of a single decision that affects residents’ daily lives. As an example, he cited an increase in water tariffs, which he said was necessary to ensure the stable operation of municipal utilities.

“You can't be good for everyone,” he stressed.

The mayor argued that authorities should not be guided solely by a desire to remain popular. He recalled that delaying necessary decisions in the past had left Kalush burdened with millions in debt, led to the freezing of utility company accounts, and created the risk of disruptions to heating services and waste collection.

Naida added that he is prepared to take responsibility for unpopular measures even if they affect his political future. In his view, a leader must think about the city's long-term interests rather than simply telling residents what they want to hear.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers approved the creation of a national pantheon on the grounds of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

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