Business news

MINSK, 10 April (BelTA) – Private property is usually more efficient than collective ownership, but this issue needs an evolutionary approach, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with representatives of the country’s largest state-run mass media on 10 April, BelTA has learned.

The president noted that there have been lots of talks about certain systemic changes. “We are not euphoric about private property. You want state-controlled property to fall into private hands overnight? These are systemic changes. But they have never written specifically what these systemic changes are. Because otherwise people will never support this. This requires an evolutionary approach,” the head of state said.

“Once they reproached me that I was not market-driven and that I did not support private property. This is not true. I worked in the material production and lived among peasants. I know what private ownership means. It is always more efficient than collective ownership,” he said.

“I am asked to change things here, there… I once openly said that this all is not just about me. If you want it, I will take the decision within a day. Do you want this? Are you ready for this? Will you be able to implement this?" the Belarusian leader asked.

“Reality has showed that private ownership and changes to our system of modernization need an evolutionary approach. No revolutions. Otherwise, this can be very painful. It is not certain that we will benefit from this,” the head of state added.