Opinions & Interviews
Lukashenko: Belarus offers ample opportunities
MINSK, 22 November (BelTA) – Belarus offers huge opportunities for self-fulfillment today, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a Q&A session titled “Open Microphone with the President” that was held at Minsk State Linguistic University on 22 November, BelTA has learned.
“You are needed where you were born. There is a lot of wisdom in this saying. Just think about it. I urge you to stay here. There are huge opportunities in the country today. If you don't want to live in your country, you can work in a friendly nation making the most of your knowledge and education,” the head of state emphasized.
“We have a good education. But we educate our children for our country,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
He remarked that some citizens of Belarus, the so-called supporters of change, fled abroad. “And now hordes of them are asking to let them come back. I am aware of this, I am well-informed about this situation, I had to set up a corresponding commission headed by the prosecutor general. All sorts of things happened. Someone went crazy, went off the rails. Someone was misled... If you committed crimes, you should be held accountable for it in line with the law. I cannot close the country for them. But if you have done something wrong, be prepared to face the music, like all others,” the president said.
The head of state emphasized that those who left feel like second-class people in some countries: “This is becoming increasingly common: they apply for a job, including in Poland, and when they say that they are from Belarus, they are treated like second-class people and have to settle for jobs like washing dishes. They are told bluntly: “You are a second-class person.”
In Belarus, the situation is the opposite. “It does not matter what ethnicity you have, you are our kin. Our people were raised on this principle. They will warm you up, feed you and share what they have with a stranger,” the Belarusian leader noted.
“That's why you need to try everything, but don't burn the bridges, otherwise you will not be able to return to where you were. Take your time. They say time flies fast, that's true, but life is long. Don't rush. Because if you leave, cut off your ties, you will always be second-class people there. Some people earn a good living, but they're dying inside because they feel like second-class people,” the president emphasized.
“Think about it, guys. I have come here to get certain points through and push this propaganda. But it is up to you to make a decision. As you see, the country didn't collapse without those who left. It is still here. And it will never fall apart,” the Belarusian leader stated.
History knows many cases when the so-called governments in exile were formed, but they had no impact.
“Take your time. If you want to try your hand at something, go ahead and do it. I cannot close the door to you. You will still slip through the border and try your luck in a foreign country. But keep in mind that it is not all roses there. It is a common belief. Therefore, live in your own country, get an education here. The education is good if you want to study,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
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