MINSK, 22 February (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has rejected proposals of the government regarding wholesale privatization. The head of state made the relevant statement before hearing out a report on the tax and excise policy in 2016 on 22 February, BelTA has learned.
“The government's proposals concerning wholesale privatization cannot be accepted. Even [the proposals] to change the system used to privatize state property,” stressed the President.
The head of state remarked that a clear-cut privatization system has been built in Belarus. An investor willing to acquire an enterprise has to get the approval of the enterprise's workers first. Then the proposal is considered by the municipal government, the central government, and finally the president. Alexander Lukashenko remarked that for someone the system may seem to contain too much red tape, but it is transparent and precise.
The President reminded that privatization and the sale of state property represent a serious matter. “Today we sell what we don't exactly own. What we sell is the fruit of the labor of generations, the labor of our fathers and forefathers. This is why it is necessary to very carefully approach these matters,” said the head of state.
If an investor brings proposals that should produce a quick and massive effect, the investor is welcome to bring the proposals directly to the central government or the head of state. Privatization from above is an option. That way the country's president will be fully responsible for changing the form of ownership of this or that enterprise. The head of state's view on the matter has been known for a long time. “I am not going to give away a single brick because it represents colossal amount of labor,” reminded Alexander Lukashenko.
“Privatization will happen. Any enterprise in the country can be sold on certain terms,” said Alexander Lukashenko referring to the observance of workers' rights to proper labor conditions, the modernization of the enterprise, higher tax revenues for the state budget, and the manufacturing of products that will sell well on foreign markets. “We will embrace that kind of privatization. The country does not need other kinds,” summed up the head of state.
