The work schedule of the President of Belarus is always very eventful. Alexander Lukashenko holds conferences and working meetings on the most pressing issues of the country's development, regularly visits the regions, makes foreign visits and receives foreign guests himself, communicates with journalists, signs decrees and laws. And even when there are no public events, this does not mean at all that the HEAD of state is not working. However, during the rest, whether it's hockey training or chopping wood, Alexander Lukashenko no, no, yes, and he will find a reason for the next assignment. As he likes to say, in everything one must proceed from life.
The "President's Week" project is for those who want to keep up with the head of state, to be aware of the most relevant statements and decisions of the Belarusian leader.
Who and under what conditions will be able to take advantage of the chance to return to Belarus, what to expect from innovations in the banking sector, what Alexander Lukashenko calls on domestic scientists to do, and how the government and governors passed the intermediate pricing exam at a meeting with the President. And also about the reform of the judiciary, the extended helping hand to Turkey and Syria, the landmark signing of the law on the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. About this and many other things in the new issue of BelTA's special project "President's Week".
REVERSE DRIVE. Who will get a second chance for a quiet life in BelarusOn February 6, the head of state received a report from Prosecutor General Andrey Shved. There were many topics for conversation. For example, a large-scale meeting with the security forces following the results of the past year, which Alexander Lukashenko instructed to prepare, to talk about shortcomings in each law enforcement agency. “It’s our shortcoming that we don’t talk about the problems of the army, the prosecutor’s office, the investigating authorities, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the KGB as a whole, bringing them together. After all, these are people who perform similar, similar tasks, contacts are very important. And they must see how they live ... Let's say the Investigative Committee must see how the army lives. The prosecutor's office is understandable: you are constantly in contact here. We will need to discuss it. And there we will listen to our achievements and shortcomings," the President noted.
Another topic is the investigation of the criminal case on the genocide of the population of Belarus during the Great Patriotic War and the post-war period. The criminal process was started by the Prosecutor General's Office in April 2021. "Except for you, the prosecutor's office, no one is involved. I see that you are actively doing this. Well done, this is very necessary. This will remain in history forever," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.
But the most resonant news of that day was the President's statement on the signing of "On Consideration of Appeals of Citizens of the Republic of Belarus Being Abroad on Issues of Offenses Committed by Them". The relevant work will be done by a special commission headed by the Prosecutor General. This is a chance to return to their homeland and start from scratch for those who, during the turbulent period of 2020 and after, stumbled, committed minor offenses and are now afraid to come to Belarus, fearing responsibility.
Alexander Lukashenko and Andrei ShvedThe commission includes heads of ministries and departments, representatives of the public, including those who were among the victims of the offenses committed. The commission will consider each application individually.
Alexander Lukashenko drew attention to the fact that fugitive opponents in the West will do their best to prevent the return of fellow citizens to Belarus. First of all, for selfish financial reasons.
"I've been watching the media for the last week: the noise has risen there. Especially at the headquarters, these quiet lunatics in Lithuania, Poland have gone berserk. I want to tell you again, and so that people understand: now they are sitting on a lack of money, the West will finance only specific events Such a radical plan is desirable, and not even the level of 2020. The overthrow, the assassination of the President, officials,” the head of state noted, “and if the West sees that someone is behind them (at least a small group of people), so much money And they are afraid that some of these people (and God forbid the majority) will leave for Belarus, so they will turn to this commission. Then there is no money."
"The Ukrainians offer them (the military are coming): let's go to the front, fight against RUSSIA. They all shouted: Kalinovsky's regiment and so on ... There are about a hundred people in this so-called regiment. Here they run there, some" great "colonels and lieutenant colonels, shout that "we are creating a people's liberation army". But there are only a hundred people in this army, and even then they are fighting near Bakhmut (Artemovsk). And many people die. I repeat once again: I want to eat, but there are also brutalized - those who are ready to fight there against Russia and here to come to the end to fight against the Belarusian people. Well, that's their choice. I'm talking about this: we shouldn't drag anyone here, Andrey Ivanovich. "Let them read the decree and see how the commission will work,"- said the President.
Andrey ShvedThe head of state stressed that the authorities a priori are not going to deprive anyone of their freedom. On the other hand, he noted, if a citizen really deserved punishment, then he himself would hardly apply to the established commission.
“If it goes, we will consider it. Everything will be in accordance with the law. But most importantly, do not drag them here by force,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
“This is our good will, we have demonstrated it. Please contact us, we will consider your applications. ", wash the dishes. Those who are more prepared will serve cartridges in Poland or Lithuania. It is their choice. We do not force anyone and do not insist on this," the head of state added.
Alexander LukashenkoAccording to the document, citizens of Belarus who wish to return to their homeland, who have committed administrative offenses or protest crimes since January 1, 2020, before the decree came into force, are afraid of returning to the country due to their possible involvement in the commission of such offenses, crimes. Relevant appeals can be sent by citizens until December 31, 2023 in written or electronic form with the necessary documents attached.
At the same time, these persons must repent of their deeds and inform the commission of their readiness after returning to make a public apology, compensate for the harm caused, observe the Constitution and legislation of Belarus, respect state symbols and national traditions, consciously and actively fulfill their civic duty.
JUDICIAL CASES. What changes are taking place in the work of the judicial systemOn the same day, February 6, Alexander Lukashenko held a working meeting with Chairman of the Supreme COURT Valentin Sukalo.
The head of state was interested in the development of the judicial system in Belarus, the results of the measures taken to reform it, including taking into account the constitutional changes that had taken place. The President emphasized that this year marks a jubilee date - the 100th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Belarus.
"We once swung at the next reform of the judicial system. Based on your experience, what are our results in this regard?" Alexander Lukashenko asked.
The President continued: “We are approaching the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly. The courts are brought upstairs, under the Supreme People’s Council. Independence, of course, increases and strengthens in this way. This is very important: are we not mistaken here? and on the Supreme Court.Due to the fact that we are making it more independent, we are raising it up there, to the All-Belarusian People's Assembly .
The head of state also inquired about the process of establishing the Economic Court of Appeal. "We already have some experience. What is the situation here?" - He outlined one of the issues of the meeting.
Alexander Lukashenko and Valentin SukaloWe also discussed the work with the appeals of citizens wishing to return to their homeland. “We have just talked with Andrei Ivanovich Shved (Prosecutor General of Belarus. - Approx. BelTA), launched work on the crimes of the fugitives. who are here. How does it fit together, are there any contradictions here? - Alexander Lukashenko asked. - Once again, what is your opinion about this some kind of outlet for these fugitives, who nevertheless committed minor offenses. Someone I ran away in fright. Your assessment is that we have created a commission in order to rehabilitate some, so to speak, and they could return to their homeland."
The President was also interested in litigation in those cases that are under his control.
Valentyn Sukalo assured that the judicial system as a whole meets all the constitutional requirements for it. "She calmly responds to all challenges and threats, mastering the volumes of justice that she has today. At the same time, she does not stand still, continues to improve, reform. The first results of the reform are already obvious. It so fortunately coincided that the judicial reform time coincided with the constitutional one. We have completed the third stage of the judicial reform - and just the constitutional reform. And this was enshrined at the highest constitutional level, "said the Chairman of the Supreme Court.
HELPING HAND. How the President of Belarus reacted to the tragedy in Turkey and SyriaIn connection with the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, on February 6, Head of State Alexander Lukashenko heard a report by the Minister for Emergency Situations Vadim Sinyavsky on the readiness of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Belarus to provide assistance to the affected states.
Based on the results of the report, Alexander Lukashenko instructed to send to the Republic of Turkey an emergency rescue team of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, certified according to UN international standards, consisting of 64 specialists with equipment and equipment designed for emergency and search and rescue operations. Belarusian rescuers quickly arrived in Turkey and have been working in the affected areas for several days.
It was also instructed to work out the issue of sending a cargo of humanitarian aid to Syria.
Alexander Lukashenko to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in connection with the numerous victims of the earthquake in these countries. He also conveyed words of support to the families and friends of the victims, wished a speedy recovery to all those affected by the natural disaster and the restoration of the destroyed infrastructure.
circulatory system of the economy. What's new in the banking sector of BelarusPlanned changes in laws on banking activities by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on February 7.
The President drew attention to the fact that in no case should one follow the path of recommendations that were given, figuratively speaking, in the last century. For example, that banks supposedly should be a state within a state, absolutely independent. "Classic: there is nothing independent in the world. Everyone depends on each other - both institutions and organizations, and so on. There is enough freedom in our banking system not to trail behind events and to work together with the government for the economy," - said the Belarusian leader.
There was a time when the NATIONAL BANK and other banks were considered, roughly speaking, the government's accounting department, Alexander Lukashenko noted. However, now the banking system and banks are the circulatory system of the economy, without which it will not be able to function effectively and fully. "We need to look very carefully to ensure that we do not have an imbalance," the head of state warned.
The bill has yet to be submitted to parliament, after which it will be considered by deputies, and then by senators. However, already at this stage, the proposed changes at the highest level were subjected to a thorough analysis for their relevance and necessity. Innovations relate to a wide range of issues, including support for foreign trade activities, improvement of banking supervision. However, the topic closest and most understandable to the general public is the protection of the rights and interests of consumers of banking services. All this is expected to be reflected in the updated Banking Code.
On innovations at the meeting, Pavel Kallaur, Chairman of the Board of the National Bank. In order to increase the level of legal protection of consumers of banking services and eliminate excessive financial burden on borrowers: first, a ban is introduced on the establishment of conditions for the payment of interest in an increased amount in loan agreements, the amount of fines is limited; second - a list of cases is established in which the bank has the right to demand early repayment of the loan; third - a reasonable period is determined for early repayment of the loan (not earlier than three months from the date of notification of the individual).
"This norm has a social orientation, and its implementation will strengthen the legal protection of consumers of financial services," said Pavel Kallaur.
Pavel KallaurThe President drew attention to the fact that consideration at the meeting of issues of changing legislation does not mean at all that the banking system is currently working poorly and its regulatory framework requires a radical revision. "Under the sanctions, banks have demonstrated stability, ensured the safety of savings, settlements and accumulation of resources for lending," the Belarusian leader stressed. ".
"The interests of depositors are also protected. Belarus is almost the only country in the world that guarantees the population a full return of deposits, regardless of the size and currency in the event of a bank's economic insolvency," the President emphasized.
At the same time, he noted that life does not stand still, new challenges arise in the field of money laundering, cyber fraud is becoming more sophisticated. Along with negative factors, there are also positive ones: technologies are developing, a new system of mutual settlements is being built, including in international trade. “In a word, certain changes are overdue,” Alexander Lukashenko is convinced.
"It seems to me that new powerful monetary unions with a new reserve currency will appear in the world in the near future," he added.
The President recalled that Belarus had reached an agreement with Russia in a timely manner in the interests of business entities. "Roman Alexandrovich (Golovchenko, prime minister - approx. BelTA), in the interests of business entities, we must work with the Russian Federation in the banking system," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.
“I also instructed the state administration and control bodies to analyze the work of the banking system and make their proposals for adjusting the banking legislation,” the head of state said. “Some innovations have already been tested in practice. As agreed, the National Bank has consolidated them with its recommendations and proposes to implement them on system basis within the legal framework.Just what we need.Nevertheless, I decided to invite experts, you, to once again make sure that innovations will benefit us.After all, a fundamental regulatory legal act is being submitted for consideration. What changes are planned?
Alexander Lukashenko stressed that Belarus is a social state and the rules of economic activity should be based on the principles of social justice, interpreted in the same and unambiguous way and unconditionally observed. “There are no and will not be exceptions for some areas, including banking. The regulator should have all the necessary levers of influence in the financial industry, including for punishing negligent banks with the ruble and others,” the Belarusian leader noted.
At present, it is especially important that all branches of government and government bodies work in close coordination, the President is convinced. "Only together it is possible to ensure the mobilization of resources in the most important areas of sustainable development of the economy," the head of state stated. "The key role here should be played by banks and the National Bank as a regulator of the entire banking system."
Following the results of the meeting, the head of state generally approved the proposed innovations. At the same time, he instructed to finalize certain provisions, "finish" the document and submit it for consideration to the parliament.
PAYMENTS AND SANCTIONS. What issues did Lukashenka specifically focus on bankersThe conversation at the meeting on the work of the banking sector was not only about legislative norms, but also about the situation in which both domestic banks and the economy as a whole have to work.
The head of state noted that he was dissatisfied with the work of the government and banks in processing payments in foreign trade operations.
“It seems that we can supply products and so on… But we will consider this in the near future, the government and banks will report on how they work on payments. You just need to resist and work,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. “Therefore, specialists from the National Bank and banks in general need to get involved to solving the problem of passing payments. This problem should not exist. It does not exist: we just work disgustingly. And some of our private traders show how to work."
At the same time, the President demanded that everyone not relax: "Russia is being stuffed with additional sanctions, and so that there is no way around us, they will also not only frighten us with additional sanctions, but pump them up."
Alexander Lukashenko also mentioned the integration agenda with Russia. He asked if all the issues on this agenda in the banking sector would be closed by the adoption of the updated Banking Code. "All these integration projects in the banking sector with Russia should be beneficial to us. This is our criterion," the head of state stressed.
FINISHING STRAIGHT. How does the SNC get legislative formalization?President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed the law "On the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. This important news for the country appeared on February 7.
The purpose of the document is the implementation of the constitutional norms on the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, securing its legal status as the highest representative body of people's power, as well as determining the procedure for the formation and operation of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly.
The delegates of the National Assembly include the head of state, the President, who has ceased to exercise his powers, representatives of the legislative, executive and judicial authorities, local councils of deputies, as well as civil society.
The Assembly has no right to replace other state bodies, to perform their functions, to interfere in their activities.
The competence of the SPC is determined in accordance with the Constitution, including the powers to make decisions:
on the approval of the most important documents for the country (the main directions of domestic and foreign policy, military doctrine, the concept of national security, the program of socio-economic development);
on submitting to the President a proposal to hold a republican referendum;
on the legitimacy of the election of the President, deputies of the House of Representatives and members of the Council of the Republic;
on the dismissal of the President in the event of a gross violation of the Constitution or the commission of a serious crime;
on the election of judges of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, members of the CEC, their dismissal;
on the establishment of holidays, holidays and memorable dates;
on the introduction of a state of emergency or martial law;
on the possibility of sending military personnel outside the country to participate in activities to maintain international peace and security.
The scale of the powers of the assembly also implies the special nature of its decisions. Decisions of the SPC are taken by a majority of the full membership, are binding and can cancel legal acts, other decisions of state bodies that are contrary to the interests of national security.
To ensure the activities of the SPC, it is planned to create a Presidium (a permanent collegial body for the prompt resolution of issues within the competence of the SPC) and a Secretariat (a working body of the SPC). The number of the Presidium is 15 people. The Chairman of the SPC, his deputies, other members of the Presidium are elected at the first meeting of the SPC from among its delegates.
The Chairman of the Supreme National Assembly and his deputies exercise their powers on a professional basis, other delegates - on the job.
Meetings of the SPC are held at least once a year. Meetings of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Council - at least once every 6 months.
The implementation of the law will give a new impetus to state development. The ANC, formed on democratic principles, will perform stabilizing and consolidating functions in society.
According to Olga Chupris, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Belarus, the first All-Belarusian People's Assembly, already in a new constitutional status, will be held at the end of April 2024.
BASIS OF INDEPENDENCE. What moment Lukashenka urges Belarusian scientists to take advantage of
On February 9, Alexander Lukashenko presented scientific and teaching staff with doctoral degrees and professor certificates. The solemn ceremony took place in the Palace of Independence.
"Искренне желаю, чтобы вслед за очередными званиями вы достигли самой главной вершины научного успеха. Не просто сказали новое слово в науке, а заставили весь мир говорить о ваших, наших достижениях. Ведь в истории остается не статус, а имя, - пожелал Александр Лукашенко. - Ставьте перед собой в хорошем смысле слова дерзкие и обязательно благородные цели. И пусть на пути к их достижению вам всегда сопутствуют удача, поддержка родных людей и обязательно уважение научного сообщества".
Each discovery of Belarusian scientists becomes part of the national heritage, the Belarusian leader stressed: “Yes, science is international, it belongs to the world, no one argues with that. It is designed to serve all mankind. But you are scientists of Belarus, you are Belarusian scientists. and great plans for you as a child, and they are born on this earth.
Belarusian science has something to be proud of, but scientists do not have time to rest on their laurels, Alexander Lukashenko is sure. "Especially today, when our country is facing unprecedented political challenges, all of us, and science in the first place, need to look only ahead. Both for the benefit of people's lives and for the sake of creation. In other words, all your innovative developments should serve the development of the spiritual sphere, strengthen the economic power of the state, ensure our national security,” the Belarusian leader stressed, “And here the field is not plowed. - I look at it this way and I'm already beginning to doubt it. It seems that we can do something, we know how, but there is no resourcefulness.
The President aims the leadership of the scientific sphere at practice-oriented topics: "What is anger today (of the day. - Approx. BelTA). What our life needs now. Starting from military sciences, security, ending with peaceful life. This is a great practical meaning".
The head of state drew attention to the fact that huge amounts of money are being allocated for popular areas of science, especially in foreign countries. Many foreign investors are ready to invest significant financial resources in various promising developments. “Everything is needed today, and they are ready to invest in everything, they are ready to invest a lot of money. But we need to show the product, show its effectiveness and then expand production,” the Belarusian leader said.
In this case, it is necessary to act promptly, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. "This is the moment. The pendulum has swung in your direction. And you must use this time, because tomorrow it will be late. Tomorrow the world will calm down again and rest on its laurels, on the achievements that you have received at the moment. It will be quiet, calm, at ease, "Everyone will live, grow fat in a newly redistributed world. The world will be different. Nobody disputes this today. Therefore, we must seize the moment," the head of state said. fast, powerful, - there will be no sense.
Alexander Lukashenko had an informal conversation with scientists. Some developments and achievements were discussed in detail. For example, the agricultural sector - many years of invested efforts and considerable funds are now paying off handsomely. “Oil does not provide such profitability as agriculture. Oil generally fell below the plinth. Food products were sold for $8.3 billion,” the Belarusian leader noted. I almost never use imported ones.
The meeting also touched upon the development of domestic journalism, training personnel for this area. Particular attention was paid to the work of the Faculty of Journalism of the Belarusian State University. “We tried to turn our journalism back to life. Journalists should be kept close to life so that they can see what will happen tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and so on. It is very important that this be a two-way process,” Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.
The President explained that the leaders of the media should be primarily interested in the training of professional personnel, which means they should supervise this process. For this, a decision was made earlier to create a special council at BSU, which would include the heads of the republican media.
“It so happened that the media and journalists are now at the forefront of this struggle. Now the media is a battlefield, from the Internet to traditional media. And without fighters, reliable, capable, big-headed, smart, we are in this we will not win the war," the President summed up.
Part of the scientific developments concerned the field of medicine. In this regard, the head of state recalled the relevant agreements during the recent meeting and generally advised the healthcare industry to “go beyond our Belarusian life”, mastering foreign countries, promoting the existing domestic experience and technologies there.
Alexander Lukashenko also spoke about the development of IT technologies in the country, recalling the High Technology Park. Not so long ago, some people from this field fled abroad, but there is already a reverse trend. “I don’t blame them. Because the Americans and others hit the IT sector in order to slow us down, they imposed sanctions . - the President noted. - Someone traveled around the world (and decided. - Approx. BELTA) - no, only to Belarus. This is a feature of Belarusians: few people can be abroad and be satisfied."
By the way, in addition to the HTP, IT technologies are well developed at many large domestic enterprises, at the Academy of Sciences. Moreover, a full-fledged finished product is created there, and not a piece of software in the interests of foreign companies. Another positive experience is the first information unit of the Belarusian Armed Forces created a few years ago, which has no analogues. "People in uniform - they are diligent, loyal, reliable. No matter how you are pumped, dragged, big money (offered. - Approx. BelTA) and so on, you work very steadfastly in this regard. We need to strengthen this company. The product must be modern and necessary for the country," the head of state stressed.
PRICE LIMIT. What Lukashenka called the basis of a just peace in BelarusOn February 10, the President convened a broad meeting on pricing issues in order to monitor how the previous instructions in this area are being carried out and to outline the next steps.
"The topic of our conversation is complex. And in view of this complexity and other reasons, it is extremely unpleasant. I know very well from my experience, like many sitting here, present at this meeting, what wages and prices are. For our people, for all of us, this is an important question, because every day, from morning to evening, we, faced with these problems, of course, live by this,” the President said.
Alyaksandr Lukashenka drew attention to the facts and gave specific examples, so that "the minds of 'advanced' economists would not wander all sorts of very convenient crazy thoughts." He recalled that it was the United States and the West as a whole that have always imposed the thesis that "democracy and the free market will save the world." However, events in the Western countries themselves, including the shooting at the Capitol, indicate that they often act differently there. "They shot a girl (Ashley Babbitt. - Approx. BelTA), who went through three or four wars defending the interests of the United States. No one reckoned with anything. No rights, no democracy. At the same time, I do not condemn those defenders of the highest authority, that building , which was attacked. I do not condemn, this is their problem. But what were we condemned for then?"
Another example is the sanctions that the West imposed on the Russian Federation, and at the same time on Belarus, setting a ceiling on prices for Russian oil and oil products. “Why did the West and the usa begin to regulate prices for oil and oil products? Market economy in the world,” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked.
“I remind you of this and tell you so that you understand that we must live by our own mind in our country and do everything in a way that is beneficial to our people,” the Belarusian leader emphasized. “I want you to understand that my demand remains unchanged. with the most - two examples, and there are a lot of them - I proved to you that they have no democracy, no human rights, no free market and free pricing. They act solely in their own interests. Well, let's, as far as possible, be observe their interests - our people. In a welfare state, where everything is for the people."
Глава государства отметил, что идет глобальный передел мира, его переформатирование. "Что делать нам в этой ситуации? Надо пройти аккуратно этот период, сохранить себя. А сохраним только тогда, когда будет внутренняя стабильность, - сказал он. - Сегодня вопрос больше, чем цены. Это основа справедливого внутреннего порядка и мира в нашей стране. Ценообразование - это основа справедливого мира в Беларуси. Это главная статья договора власти и народа. Надо выдержать, выстоять. Надо каждому стремиться сохранить нашу страну. У нас для этого все есть. Мы не просто можем ее сохранить, а когда закончится эта дележка планеты, мы будем на порядок выше".
Alexander Lukashenko recalled that the tough task of developing measures to regulate prices in difficult economic conditions was set before the government four months ago. To curb inflation, Directive No. 10 was first signed, and from mid-October, Council of Ministers Resolution No. 713 "On the price regulation system" came into force.
The President stated that in a number of cases prices even went down, although this was not the goal. But after their February surge last year, this is normal, and the profitability of organizations still remained at a high level. "Out of fear, some, seeing a large layer of fat, lowered these prices. It's okay," he said.
"The system of regulation (to put it bluntly - price containment) was developed by the whole world: the parliament, the government, the State Control Committee, trade unions, local authorities, regulatory authorities, law enforcement agencies. I have before me the results of monitoring. According to statistics, we have succeeded significantly in the country. In IV quarter, after decisive actions, deflation of almost 2% was recorded in 2022. That is, there was a rollback in prices,” Alexander Lukashenko stated.
"When we met last time, the government predicted annual inflation of about 20%. This would be a terrible inflation. But taking into account the measures taken, it was possible to reduce it to at least 12-13% according to the results (2022. - Approx. BelTA)", - said the Belarusian leader.
There are goods that have fallen in price, the President noted. And their list is significant. This includes buckwheat, rice, pasta, vegetable oil, tea, natural coffee, perfumes and cosmetics, televisions and so on.
“Nevertheless, against the background of the fight against price increases from 1% to 4%, everyday goods became more expensive. These are MILK , kefir, cottage cheese, other dairy products, butter, MEAT, eggs, and even baby food. All this suggests that the new regulatory system requires further improvement and, as the government says, fine-tuning," the head of state noted.
The President said that he had gathered a wide range of participants in the meeting in order to outline the next steps to contain prices and achieve the goal - inflation of no more than 7-8% for the current year. "This is almost two times lower than last year," he said.
FEAR LOST. How will they remove salary "fat" from the management of retail chains
At the meeting, Alexander Lukashenko also drew attention to some shortcomings in the work of those responsible for prices, which can be seen at this stage.
For example, retail prices are falling mainly due to the trade link, while the producer price index continues to grow. Trade organizations continue to commit violations of legislation in the field of pricing, and this is against the backdrop of inspections, as a result of which more than 100 trade entities and officials were held accountable and five dozen criminal cases were initiated on the facts of unjustified price increases. Here, the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade alone cannot cope - this is the task of the entire government together with the governors, the Belarusian leader stressed.
Retail turnover is declining (at the end of 2022, it amounted to 96.3% compared to 2021). The diversity of the assortment was ensured by the entry of new suppliers to the Belarusian market, mainly from friendly countries, including Russia and Turkey. But the President emphasized that the prices for imported goods are given to citizens, especially if similar goods are not produced in Belarus itself.
Another problem is that unequal conditions have arisen for domestic producers and importers, which contributes to the sale of predominantly foreign products. Importers have the opportunity to form a favorable price for themselves outside the country and receive large profits.
"The monthly rate of increase in prices of domestic producers of consumer goods only slowed down, but did not stop. I do not insist that prices be stopped. Because with such international inflation, stopping prices will result in a shortage on the shelves. But there should not be unreasonable frenzied growth," - the Belarusian leader stressed.
But the most striking social problem, which lies in line with the concept of justice, was identified in the issue of restoring order to the leaders and owners of large retail chains. The head of state drew attention to this problem back in October 2022. Now he asked how things are in this salary issue. Addressing the media representatives, the head of state said: “Please, shake the State Control Committee and the government so that they tell you all the facts, where “great” figures, leaders receive a salary 30-40 times higher than an ordinary seller and others. And then they run around the nets and shout: “Ah, the President crushed!” They start a riot.
"But I have experience how to deal with this storm. And there will be the most severe showdowns. Therefore, people - sellers - must be brought to the attention: here is Br800 or Br1 thousand your salary, but Br50-60 thousand is the salary of these so-called owners" - added the Belarusian leader.
The head of state once again drew attention to the fact that the ratio of the salaries of an employee and a manager, the owner of a trade organization should be within 1 to 8. “However, this requirement is not met in certain retail chains. For example, in BelWillesden (Gippo chain. - Note BelTA), the coefficient was already 67,” the President cited a number of facts, “Evrotorg” - almost 42, “Dobronom” - 12. Is that normal? Do they work more than the seller?"
At the end of the meeting, Vasily Gerasimov, chairman of the State Control Committee, told reporters that in a number of cases, the salaries of the management of retail chains have been growing and growing. “Last time, I voiced the figures, they were big. Now… For example, if a person had a salary of Br148 thousand, now it is Br193 thousand. Some salaries jumped four times. receives Br147 thousand, someone Br98 thousand, someone Br36 thousand. And Br36 thousand against the background of Br193 thousand seems already… (not such a high figure. - Approx. BelTA)," he said.
But the matter is not even in the salaries of the management, but in social justice, as the President spoke about. “If there was a corresponding breakthrough in the salaries of employees, but this is not happening. And if we take the economic result of the operation of networks, then, in principle, last year they worked twice as much in terms of profit than in 2021. That is, the resources there are," the Chairman of the State Control Committee stated.
He also noted that the ratio of wages in the industry in Belarus is set at 1 to 8. “They should have something similar (in trade. - Note by BelTA). Or follow the path of other countries when excess income is taxed high taxation. Now we will work out these ways in the near future. Plus, there was an instruction that the networks should carry some kind of social burden," Vasily Gerasimov summed up.
Once again, the President drew attention to the Ipeshniks, who "started some kind of noise" in connection with the introduction of new work rules for them. They warned about this in advance, carried out large-scale information work, and provided for a transitional period. "We are not strangling anyone, we are not pushing any ips (from the domestic market. - Approx. BelTA). But we put them on an equal footing. If you work, pay taxes like everyone else. If you can't, take a broom. The time has come," said Alexander Lukashenko.
FOOD STASH. Why Lukashenka pays great attention to stabilization fundsAs Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko reported during the meeting, more than 144,000 tons of potatoes, vegetables, and apples have been pledged to the country's stabilization funds. This is almost a third more than in the previous off-season period. A significant part of the production has already been contracted.
Roman Golovchenko"Do the governors have questions about these stabilization funds?" - said the President.
Governor of the Grodno region Vladimir Karanik confirmed that the stabilization funds in his region have been laid down in full. Regional trading networks of a communal form of ownership have concluded contracts for their full needs. However, the work of private trade has its own nuances. At meetings, its representatives say that their networks are registered in other regions, so they are purchased in other regions and then delivered throughout the country. The governor of the Brest region Yury Shuleiko supported his Grodno colleague.
Yuri ShuleikoIn turn, Roman Golovchenko and KGC Chairman Vasily Gerasimov did not rule out that it is more profitable for some farms to sell for EXPORT, so they may well come up with various excuses that their goods are not in demand on the domestic market. But in general, according to officials, the situation with the laying of products in stabilization funds and their subsequent sale this off-season is much better than in previous years. Active work with stabilization funds also affected prices: imports have decreased, and the cost of vegetables grown in Belarus has dropped significantly.
“I just want to warn the governors and the mayor of Minsk: God forbid, in a month this will all come out and we will start eating Egyptian potatoes again, but we won’t see ours at normal prices - blame yourself,” the Belarusian leader warned.
The head of state drew attention to the fact that he does not prohibit the supply of products for export, but this is only if the domestic market is fully provided. "Sell. But if you fail before July-August, until early potatoes and cabbage appear, blame yourself," he warned. question - I made a decision. It must be strictly executed. Potatoes, cabbage, carrots, etc., before the new harvest - clean, neat, like imported ones, laid out in stores. They will buy Belarusian with pleasure, but in such a way that it has a marketable appearance. It good quality, sell it, but if, as the prime minister said, there are African and some other potatoes at crazy prices in June, July, August, blame yourself. do yours. Take the rest to the moon. Please, take it out, just feed your people."
During the meeting, the head of state instructed to study the possibility of building new storage facilities using modern technologies, and also set the task of his assistants in the regions to analyze the situation with stabilization funds both in terms of product safety and its sale.