Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 22 December (BelTA) – During the meeting with representatives of the Belarusian business community on 22 December Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko dispelled rumors about his cautious attitude to the development of the private sector, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko said: “I am often criticized that Lukashenko is afraid of private business, of new market relations because ‘they threaten his power’. I believe that if everything was in private hands in Belarus, I would remain the president for ever. Because I can give private business owners what they want: security, tranquility, zero bribes and extortions. If things were private, I’d have less work to do.”

“This is why those, who say I am afraid of new owners, speak nonsense,” said the head of state.

The president stressed that he takes an active part in all the processes going on in the country. “Right now I am primarily concerned about the modernization of state-owned assets of enterprises. Or yesterday the government tried to convince me for half a day to give millions to support state enterprises. I don’t say we shouldn’t support them, we are the owners. But private companies don’t make such requests,” he stated.