MINSK, 20 November (BelTA) – While making personnel decisions regarding the local vertical of power on 20 November, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko urged district executive committee heads to act as fully-fledged local leaders, making necessary decisions and bearing full responsibility for them, BelTA has learned.
“Understand this: the ultimate responsibility rests with you. You are the goalkeepers. There is no one else behind you, and you will be held accountable for the result. This is your reality, your life and your destiny,” the head of state said. “As the heads of district executive committees, you are completely transparent, visible from every angle, with no place to hide. The public watches you constantly; this is a diverse public that will judge you by different standards. This is why you must adopt a firm, consistent course and adhere to it. Those who do not understand today will come to understand tomorrow. This applies to every one of you.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled how, during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, many did not accept or understand his approach. “But what about now? It turns out Lukashenko was right in his handling of the pandemic,” he remarked.
“I will be honest: the overwhelming majority of officials followed my lead and carried out my decisions. And that is how it should be in our time. That is why you are the leaders over there. You have everything in your hands. So do it, take responsibility, and deliver results,” the Belarusian leader said.
The president also stressed the need to address the concerns of local residents. “Do not offend people. You must receive them, and you must speak with them,” he stated.
In this context, Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized the importance of a clear delineation of responsibilities and authority. “Senators, deputies, and other officials arrive [from the capital]. People come to them for a reception. And these visiting officials begin issuing instructions to you on what needs to be done and where. This practice must stop. While citizens absolutely must be received – everyone must be heard – we must have absolute clarity on the chain of command. We have seen this pattern: anyone who comes from Minsk feels entitled to give orders to heads of district executive committees. But the latter do not report to these visitors. Therefore, a proper procedure must be established,” the head of state emphasized, highlighting the problematic practice.
He explained the correct protocol: “If you see something wrong during a meeting, please, write a comment and place it on the desk of a district executive committee head. Then, monitor how these issues are resolved. Do not bombard the local authorities with unnecessary questions.”
“That is precisely why you are in charge. You must exercise the authority of your position. You have only one superior over there – and this is only relative – the governor. If he is mistaken on something, you must report it. Remember the chain: the authorized representatives, the presidential aide, and the governor. That is the trio. I am not saying that you should ignore the remarks made by deputies, senators, and others. After all, you might overlook something. So, look into it and make the appropriate decisions. You will be held accountable for your decisions. If you fail to make a decision, you are also responsible for that,” Aleksandr Lukashenko explained, outlining the operational model for district leaders.
The head of state also addressed social issues, particularly in rural areas, such as the operation of schools and transportation for children as well as medical facilities.
“This is your responsibility, but it must not be carried out thoughtlessly. Do not simply close a school, a first-aid post, or a local hospital and in doing so create a problem for people. You must consult with the community. We will all be old one day, and every elderly person is different. Some can walk; others cannot. Therefore, you must look at the situation carefully. Perhaps it would not be a great burden to maintain a small medical station with at least a paramedic on hand; someone who can speak with a person and, if needed, provide them with medication,” the president said.
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