Aleksandr Lukashenko’s speech during the 6th Belarusian People’s Congress

11 Feb 2021

The head of state noted that for the sixth time in the sovereign history of the country the government has turned directly to the people to discuss and take consolidated decisions on the further development of the country and society.

“Today, delegates from all over Belarus, representatives of various professions and social groups have gathered here. Behind each of you are your constituents; enterprises, public organizations. These are millions of people who have given you their voice to discuss and make big decisions for the future of our Belarus. These decisions will not be spontaneous and surprising for us and for society," the president said. He recalled that preparations for the congress were several months long. People's opinions and concerns were studied; dialogue platforms were actively working in the regions. "We have not hidden anything, we have something to discuss today," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The priority topic for the discussion, according to the president, is economy, achievements and possible shortcomings. "The main thing is the reserves we can tap into and the concrete proposals for further development," the head of state said.

"How do we move forward amid the pandemic and external pressure? What measures should we take to ensure economic growth and decent standards of living for people with social support?” he continued. “This is the basis of our economic model, the essence of the Belarusian welfare state. Suggestions and ideas can be any. Not only those that we, the leadership of the country and the government, offer. I just ask one thing, and you know it well. I repeat: everything must be open and feasible, we have no one to be afraid of."

The second important topic for discussion is social and political development, the role of citizens in the political life of the country and the possibility of amending the basic law. "Another topic is the distribution of power, strengthening the role of local government and self-government. We must bring decision-making centers as close to people as possible, to ensure continuous effective feedback between the government and the population. There should be no artificial constructions because then we will have the opposite effect of such restructuring," the Belarusian leader is convinced.

The president suggested analyzing the geopolitical situation in which the country finds itself as the third topic of the forum.

The fourth block of issues requiring close attention is the saving of values and traditions that allow Belarusians to remain a nation. "We need to devote time to education and culture, the protection of historical memory. In one way or another they determine one of the main areas of state policy - the preservation of the continuity of generations. We can't lose young people. We must hand the country over into reliable hands. Therefore, involving young people in creative activities, ensuring their creative and intellectual development are most important issues for us," the head of state stressed. He also cited the information sovereignty as one of the important topics for discussion at the congress.

"We must consider all the pressing issues and come up with solutions that will satisfy the needs of society. As a result, all Belarusians should see that their opinions are taken into account. This is the essence of the Belarusian democracy," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Lukashenko to delegates of Belarusian People’s Congress: Today you are the masters of our Belarus

Lukashenko: Decisions of Belarusian People’s Congress will not be spontaneous, surprising

Lukashenko: Belarus is at a turning point now

Lukashenko: Belarus faced a coup attempt, not a color revolution

Lukashenko: People are at the heart of everything in Belarus

Lukashenko: Belarus will hold out

Lukashenko: The world has gone crazy

Lukashenko: We know how to deal with the situation, have a plan

Lukashenko: We will not let anyone push us around

Lukashenko: Belarus will remain committed to its role as a donor of stability

Lukashenko: Global powers fight to draw Belarus into their orbit of influence

Lukashenko: Relations with EU are important for Belarus, but Russia remains main strategic ally