Opinions & Interviews
Lukashenko: It is better to be poor than at war
VITEBSK, 2 September (BelTA) – It is better to live a poorer life than to be at war. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement as he met with students of Vitebsk Oblast higher education institutions during a Q&A session titled as “Open microphone with the president” on 2 September, BelTA has learned.
The head of state noted that the current generation of young Belarusians will have to build the country’s future. This is why Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that seeking enrichment at any cost is not a good idea. “You will have to live in this world. You will have to build it. I always speak from the wealth of my experience: it is better to live a slightly poorer life than to fight in a war the way it is happening outside our country,” he stressed.
The president pointed out that the war is in progress not only over there. After all, Belarus is not having it easy either. One can say economic warfare has been launched against the country. “As the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces I just try to protect you so that you wouldn’t feel this military tension,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. He stressed that the country continues developing in complicated conditions, including amid illegal barbaric sanctions. “And only thanks to the fact that we’ve managed to establish our relations with Russia and China in the east, with other countries, with African countries, we are managing to balance things,” the head of state pointed out. However, the president remarked that a number of Belarusians complain about a “poor” life. They forget the progress the country has secured over the years of independence, including with regard to the wealth of the citizens. “It is good that you demand more and more. But don’t forget that all of it is created by my hands and yours. I don’t create it on my own. You do that. Your parents do that. If the economy produces more, then trust me, nobody will steal it. All of it will be yours. Our joint wealth. But you just have to work for it,” the head of state assured.
Figuratively speaking, the president reminded the young Belarusians that potatoes do not grow in gadgets. One should definitely work hard and be careful to avoid being manipulated. “The Internet is a great heritage of humanity. Whether we like it or not it is indisputable. It is the greatest heritage. But if you pick up a phone and are stuck to it from morning till evening, then you have to know how to use it. It is a very serious weapon in the hands of those, who created this weapon and who knows how to wield it. And once this weapon goes out of control of those, who wield it, then things happen the way they did to Pavel Durov in France. They put you in prison fast and forget about the freedom of speech and the rest. You need to understand it and recognize it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko warned.
It is necessary to explain all these important things to the young generation, the president is convinced. But he warned against expressive pressure on the part of adults and against imposing one’s own point of view. “They are smart people. You have to tell them: these are pros, these are cons, make your choice. You will not be able to force concepts into their own heads,” the head of state remarked. In his words, university students are the best part of young Belarusians. They are educated. Telling them something will suffice. They will be able to think it over and make decisions.
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