MINSK, 1 March (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested introducing responsibility for those who accept salaries in envelopes as he met with Chairman of the State Control Committee Vasily Gerasimov to receive his report on 1 March, BelTA has learned.
“We cannot do without you in this matter. We must stop such things happening in Belarus. I would not say that the envelope wage practices are wide-spread in our country, but we have such cases. Even individual entrepreneurs, businessmen approach me and complain that while they pay their workers according to the law, others do not. They even name companies,” said the president.
He suggested introducing the responsibility for those who accept wages in envelopes.
“They will stop accepting such wages. If they stop taking them, there will be less desire to pay [in envelopes]. That is why it is necessary to put everyone in equal conditions. It is quite normal,” said the head of state.
He emphasized that non-payment of taxes is subject to severe punishment in any country. “That is why we will not succeed in the matter without you. Financial Police has begun working in this area. I would like this work to be continued. I think our people, especially businessmen, will understand that such things cannot be done here. Otherwise they will lose their property. They will not get away with fines only. We have to introduce serious responsibility. The first time you are caught, you pay a fine. Then you lose your property. We do not need businessmen who do not pay taxes,” the president said.
