20 November 2025, 12:35

Lukashenko: Some rectors have engaged in anti-state policies and become “little tsars”

MINSK, 20 November (BelTA) – While making personnel decisions on 20 November Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko criticized some university rectors for having gone too far, engaging in anti-state policies and becoming “little tsars,” BelTA has learned.

The head of state approved the appointment of new rectors for two universities. Sergei Kasperovich, formerly the Rector of Brest State Technical University, was appointed Rector of Belarusian State Technological University.

Yuri Mashin, previously the First Vice-Rector of Belarusian-Russian University, was approved for the post of Rector of Kuleshov Mogilev State University.

Addressing the new appointees, the president emphasized the need for tangible results, stating that as educated and advanced individuals, they should understand the demands of their roles. “Rector is a truly important position. You can only dream of such a job,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “You have everything at your fingertips: you work with young people, you have smart, competent subordinates. We need results.”

Simultaneously, the president issued a strong critique of certain university rectors. “Some have gotten carried away. Especially the young rectors. They’ve already gotten into anti-state policies. They’ve become ‘little tsars’ there, at the university,” he pointed out.

He further warned the new rectors: “God forbid you become so dizzy with success. You need to stick to a certain policy. Some people here say, ‘In the West, things are great, unlike here.’ And yet, all of you and those I’m talking about (sorry, I’m not naming names today) received an education and succeeded here. So work honestly and properly.”

Another requirement expressed by the head of state to all university leaders concerned ensuring continuity and nurturing a new generation of educators. “You must have capable successors, you must have followers,” the president emphasized.

He also underscored the need for smart personnel management regarding senior staff. “No leniency should be granted. If a lecturer shows up to teach using antiquated materials, they must be reassigned. It is better to send them to another job than to ruin the lives of the thousands of young people in their charge,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.

The head of state then directly addressed the newly appointed rector of Belarusian State Technological University: “Sergei Antonovich, are you prepared to take it up a notch in the new position?”

“Yes, Comrade President,” assured Sergei Kasperovich.