SLUTSK, 16 February (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko spoke about his decision to dismiss the sports and forestry ministers during a visit to the Slutsk sugar refinery on 16 February, BelTA has learned.
“I do not comment on my decisions, but I can explain them. You are my voters and it is my duty to explain my decisions to you. I think there is nothing new. From the very first presidential elections I have been committed to eliminate corruption in Belarus,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
The head of state added that last year he warned all the ministers: if corruption-related cases happen at the companies affiliated with their ministries, they will have to leave their posts.
Not long ago such corruption cases were opened against the Minsk Sports Center. Its director took bribes from the entrepreneurs to lease out commercial spaces. “I do not believe that the minister did not know about it,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
Another corruption scheme was disclosed in the forestry sector. Good timber was marked in the documents as defective and was sold abroad illegally. “The competent authorities were investigating such schemes across the country for a year. What kinds of minister he was? Should I tolerate such a minister?,” the president noted.
“There will be no mercy for such violations. Corruption can destroy everything,” Alexander Lukashenko stressed.
