MINSK, 4 January (BelTA) – The Economy Ministry should take it up a notch, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he appointed Yuri Chebotar as Economy Minister on 4 January, BelTA has learned.
“Speaking about the Economy Ministry, I want to make it clear: this year will not be like any other one. Therefore, we should be honest and open, so that in the run-up to the presidential election scheduled for the next year we will not be blamed for being evasive, telling lies and being good for nothing, as they are now starting to assert. That's why this year will be special. And as I often say, economy is at the heart of everything. I would like to see the Economy Ministry playing a more active role. You put forward tactical and strategic economic plans. Tactical plans are designed for a year, strategic plans are meant for a five-year period. You will often have to speak on the rostrum of the Belarusian People's Congress explaining the government’s actions and plans. So, you should be prepared for this,” the president said.
“Things won’t be easy. They will be tough, especially this year. Not because the incumbent president wants to go on as president. Not because someone wants something. We just have to prove to people once again that we have been working conscientiously these years. Well, if we succeed, we will be able to convince people that no one will be better than us. I say this openly at the beginning of the year. And your ministry should play a significant role in this,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that the Economy Ministry holds a special place in the government. The ministry plans, oversees and largely shapes the economic development of the country. “In this regard, I would like the Economy Ministry to be more visible. Frankly speaking, I have not seen much of it during the year,” the president remarked. “You understand that I am not entirely satisfied with the work of the Economy Ministry. And this dissatisfaction also falls on you. You were the first deputy economy minister [Yuri Chebotar held this post before his new appointment as minister]. But I really hope that the situation will change. As the first deputy, you were able to do a lot, but not everything. I understand that,” he added.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that after studying Yuri Chebotar’s candidacy, he came to the conclusion that Yuri Chebotar is the one to manage the work of the Economy Ministry. “At least you have everything in place for this. You should be honest. You should not paper over problems. Sooner or later I will notice it. I have enough instruments to do this. Therefore, do not lie under any circumstances. Tell everything as it is. Because if you provide inaccurate information, to put it mildly, it will lead to the wrong managerial decisions,” the president noted.
