MINSK, 12 February (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko shared his impressions about the 6th Belarusian People's Congress, BelTA has learned.
The president pointed out that people are concerned not only about political affairs, but also about more practical issues. “Apart from political matters, they are concerned about mundane things, the economy,” the head of state noted. According to him, this drew the government's attention to the most important issues that concern people and made it respond to them in a timely manner. For example, these issues include growing prices for products and utilities services, housing construction, employment, attracting the youth to the countryside.
He urged the participants of the congress not to worry about possible criticism from opponents. “We will be criticized. There is nothing else left for them to do. However, do not get upset. We are defining our life, the agenda. They [the opponents] are just trailing behind us. Let them analyze, criticize, I just want them to be objective. I wish they stopped lying and making the same mistakes they accuse us of,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
He believes that this edition of the congress was special, even compared to the first Belarusian People's Congress, although that edition was important and difficult. “But the society was different then,” the president pointed out.
“We often say that new people will come into politics. The majority of you are seasoned people. Having taken part in the congress, you have gained special experience,” the head of state stressed. He urged the delegates, especially the youth, not to abandon politics and to utilize the experience they obtained during the preparation for and participation in the congress. “If you are interested in politics, do not leave it. Especially when we are about to start building a party system and are at such a crucial point in our life,” the president noted.
“Return home and tell people about our decisions. About our vigor. Communicate this to people. It is crucial that people who delegated you here understand us,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.
He also recalled the past practice, when various forums and congresses were held more often. “Let's look at the Soviet times: we had big congresses and plenums to discuss the most essential matters. In the past, we tried doing something along these lines (and then stopped). We would gather in Minsk to discuss crucial issues of our development,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. The main goal of such meetings is to communicate, exchange opinions, and hear each other out.
“Another important thing is that you leave for home as committed people. If you are committed yourselves, you will be able to lead others,” the head of state believes. This is why the Belarusian People's Congress is so significant and valuable: ‘even if they say that Lukashenko has gathered only his supporters. These delegates are the people who guide the society'.
The president also spoke about the concert that wrapped up the first day of the congress and was a gift to the delegates. Aleksandr Lukashenko said he could not attend but watched the whole concert on TV. “Many have not seen such a well-organized event for a long time. It featured artists from the regions, singing, dancing, and contemporary songs. I watched your reactions, especially women. I was thinking how great it is that people came and saw that Belarusian culture is flourishing. The places of those who changed their allegiance and left the country have already been taken by new, young people,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
