MINSK, 10 June (BelTA) - Civil society should be a partner to the state rather than opposition, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the national seminar-conference to discuss new methods and forms of public communication at the grassroots level, BelTA has learned.
“If lawmakers of all levels had seen the activity of people and managed to build cooperation with them, then, during the active phase of information attack on Belarus, we would have had a support in the form of a socially responsible civil society. Fortunately, we are getting such a partner today. Against the background of the 2020 events, a politically active part of the Belarusians has started to form as part of different initiatives, and they are aimed at creation, preservation of traditions and continuity of generations. We see citizens with a government position, committed to the national interests, which is very important,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
According to the head of state, in the tradition of western-liberal culture civil society exists as an opposition to the state. Local elites, trying by all means to retain power, play democracy with this society, offering imaginary, virtual freedoms instead of real ones, substituting them with immorality and legalization of base vices. “By doing so, they create the illusion of people's rule. When necessary, they teach democracy with a truncheon and tear gas. You have seen it all from France to Latvia,” the president said.
“We are different. We have our own culture, our own traditions. Our national family has such Slavic notions as unity, joint work - the authorities together with the people make the most important decisions and implement them,” said the Belarusian leader.
