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MINSK, 6 November (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko is against ill-considered structural reforms, which are forced from the outside. Alexander Lukashenko made the statement in his speech on the occasion of his inauguration as the Belarus president on 6 November, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko stated that today too much is being talked and written about structural reforms. Nobody says what exactly the reforms are, pointed out the President.

“If someone supports reforms, be honest and say that we have to break down the political system, the state system of Belarus, that we have to divide, cut into pieces and give away people’s state-owned property,” said the President. “It is what these reforms are all about. Someone is ready to pay a lot for these reforms.”

Alexander Lukashenko invited reform proponents to say honestly that they suggest raising the retirement age, introducing fees for healthcare services, education and so on.

The President said he was convinced it is necessary to think whether the country needs such reforms. Russia and Ukraine have already implemented such reforms. Alexander Lukashenko said it would be a good idea to learn from mistakes of other countries. “They have already tasted these reforms and what are the results?” asked the President. “What’s wrong with the system we have created?” Alexander Lukashenko reminded about the accomplishments achieved by the social security system, including healthcare and education.

The head of state also spoke against introducing private land ownership and giving away the lands to farmers. The President stressed the move would be inadvisable since agriculture needs state support. The experience of European countries confirms it.