Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko wants land relations to remain under strict state control

An archive photo

MINSK, 30 March (BelTA) – Land relations should remain under strict control of the state, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he hosted the meeting to discuss redistribution of powers between government bodies on 30 March, BelTA has learned.

Speaking about land management, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that it is unadvisable to devolve presidential powers in this area.

“Here is my strict requirement: agricultural lands and forested areas can be given away only by the decision of the president. I have been informed that there are thousands of unused land plots in the regions. Those who want to improve their housing conditions can even get one of them for free,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The president pointed out that he had recently signed the decree on alienation of residential buildings in rural areas and improvement of handling of empty houses. Under the decree, empty residential buildings recognized by the court as ownerless and transferred to the ownership of an administrative-territorial unit can be auctioned off by executive committees, and their price can be gradually reduced to one base amount.

“However, lands around Minsk and the regional capitals, land plots near water bodies and protected areas will remain under strict state control. You know why: this is public domain,” the head of state stressed. “We cannot follow in the footsteps of our neighboring states, where any lake near a large city is closed off for the general public, because the owners have built fences and private piers for their vessels. This is not the way. We have avoided this,” he added.

Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that he had once tried delegating the authority to distribute land plots to governors. As a result, there were cases when the most fertile land was allocated for construction of warehouses. “I have had enough, I already know what it means to delegate such authority to someone else. I do not want to say that the governors are bad. It is just that such responsibilities should fall on one person,” the president believes. “In any case, the governors will submit proposals to the government and the president to consider them and make appropriate decisions,” he added.

“To make it clear, it is forbidden to delegate the decision-making on agricultural lands and forested areas. This topic is closed. There might be exceptions, but in these cases ask the president and he will make the decision. I believe that our children and grandchildren will be grateful for this. The next president to rule the country will also thank us all for leaving these powers to the president,” he noted.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also pointed out that he is ready to discuss proposals to update and simplify the existing procedures with the help of digital technologies.

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