Belarusian People’s Congress

“The right of the person and the citizen to take part in managing state affairs is an indispensable requirement of the time. The vigor that Belarus citizens demonstrated as they were preparing for and organizing meetings in labor collectives, in educational establishments, at their workstations, and in their places of residence once again proved that our congress is a really operating mechanism of government by the people,” said the head of state.

The President remarked that the motto “Together for a strong and prosperous Belarus” symbolizes continuity and the nation’s unity for the benefit of the Motherland. “We appreciate the public opinion, wishes and productive ideas aimed at the progressive development of the republic in the economic, social, and cultural dimensions. Belarusians want to keep peace and tranquility in the country. They are intent on working productively for the benefit of their future and the future generation of Belarusians,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, the key purpose of the forum is to discuss topical aspects of the society’s life, to discuss regional problems at the national level, to work out a consolidated opinion about ways of achieving strategic goals and plans to develop the economy in the new five-year term. “People of different ages, generations and professions — you represent the population of our entire country, all the regions of the Motherland. The nation has entrusted you with a huge responsibility. Together we should make decisions on the most important matters concerning the development of the Belarusian state and our society,” the President told participants of the Belarusian People’s Congress.

The head of state noted that the Belarusian People’s Congress is truly one of the most important forms of direct democracy and a public institution that has proven its value in modern Belarus. “An open and honest talk with people has become a part of life for the government and all the civil servants in the country,” stressed the Belarusian leader.

The agenda includes discussions about the main provisions of the program on Belarus’ social and economic development in 2016-2020. “The document is rather large and encompasses various spheres of life of the Belarusian nation. It is designed to guide joint actions of the government and the society in reaching common goals. It stipulates ways to bolster the competitive ability of the economy and the quality of life of Belarusian citizens, ways to improve the institutional environment. Legal mechanisms as well as social and economic mechanisms have been worked out to implement the goals and priorities. The document also lists the largest investment projects, which are supposed to be implemented in the current five-year term,” noted Alexander Lukashenko.

According to the President, a clear vision of the country’s future is the most important thing. “We should specify the tasks required to ensure our strategic development. This is why we need an extremely sincere, honest and high-toned conversation,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

Speaking about the presidential report, Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that he would try to say what had been left unsaid in the past. The report will try to summarize the already known provisions concerning the country’s development for the sake of putting together the strategy of Belarus’ development for the next five years.

“Speak your mind boldly, draw attention to the needs and aspirations of the people, who have authorized you to represent them. Suggest solutions. I strongly hope we will hear a lot of useful and productive proposals that will be taken into account during the preparation of legal acts by government agencies,” the head of state told the delegates.

Alexander Lukashenko also mentioned the presence of representatives of brotherly Russia, foreign guests and diplomats during the event.

In conclusion the President declared the fifth Belarusian People’s Congress open.