MINSK, 10 March (BelTA) - A new generation is in charge of Belarus today, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he appointed new Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus on 10 March, BelTA has learned.
“Take a look at the composition of the government, starting from the prime minister, and especially the ministers. You will see that I have fulfilled my promise. New people have come to the government. It did not happen overnight. Those steps were gradual. We brought some of them to the government before the election in order to show the people who will make part of our team. We ourselves wanted to see they in action, to see if they would get involved in the work, whether they would pull this load or not,” the head of state said.
“You saw that some had to be replaced. They were replaced not because they had failed, but because we probably made a mistake, both the Administration and I, in appointing them. There are people who show their best when working on the ground. As Trump says, “Drill, baby, drill!” Here they can dig, drill, but this official work does not suit them at all,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Some of the personnel decisions was a demand for rotation: “Both today's and previous appointments or terminations are least related to issues of professionalism. All these specialists are professionals. We have made almost no mistakes in terms of personnel. These changes are first of all related to reshuffling needs.”
“A new generation, as promised, is in charge of the country today,” the president emphasized. “A new generation has indeed come to the government to run the country. Absolutely new. These are people who are just over 40, 50. This is the generation that should move our country forward, having gained experience, having learned something from the older generation.”
Of course, representatives of the older generation remain in power. “That is the way it should be. We will have to leave soon,” the Belarusian leader said.
Continuity and the focus on officials with extensive experience, along with the renewal of personnel, takes central stage in the formation of the government. For example, among the deputy prime ministers, Aleksandr Lukashenko singled out First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Snopkov and Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Sivak.
“Anatoly Aleksandrovich [Sivak], you are a very young man. You will have to work really hard. Maybe there should be some easier work for you. But we have no one to replace you. There is no specialist in the sector [he supervises transportation, construction, housing and utilities services] better than Sivak. I'm telling you this sincerely. When I was offered several options, I saw that you were the best. You understand it well that we cannot renew all deputy prime ministers. That is why, Nikolai Gennadyevich [Snopkov], you remain in the government, and I count on you,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president emphasized, however, that these top officials would also need to think about those who would be able to replace them over time. “The problem is that, while you perform your functions well, you do not train others to replace you and make it possible to promote you further,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Do not burn the ground around you or, at least, ensure it is not burned. Raise decent, smart economists, professionals,” the president said.
Preparing a worthy replacement is important for the future of the country, the president stressed. “The new professionals will take over the country to lead it further. We will watch you working. Do not worry it will not happen today. We will move aside when you say you are ready,” the head of state said.
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