Lukashenko: I deeply respect and love the Belarusian people

MINSK, 10 April (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized his great respect and love for the Belarusian people as he gave an interview with the Interstate TV and Radio Company Mir on 8 April, BelTA has learned.

"I deeply respect Belarusians. I value our past, our history (which I know well). Belarusians are an incredibly hardworking people," the head of state stressed. "We are hardworking people. [Thanks to our diligent work] we will live even better, and people understand this. That’s why I love and respect my people."

The president pointed out that politicians in so-called democratic countries often struggle to align the words they say publicly with actions. "They see a [TV] camera switch on and they start putting on airs, making all kinds of statements, promises. Meanwhile, their politics is entirely different: they do not love or respect people. 'Demos' means people, 'kratos' means power. So how do they exercise power in the interest of people?" the head of state asked a rhetorical question.

The president highlighted that Belarus has been developing as a socially-oriented state for many years, offering free education and healthcare to its citizens. "You won’t end up on the street in Belarus, unlike in the United States: if you have no insurance there, you might die on the street. We take care of our people," he remarked.

"In other words, we do a lot for our people," Aleksandr Lukashenko added. "The opportunities to earn a living are immense. But one must work. With regard to the right to life for a person... Well, name me another country where they care so much about the life of a person? If a person or a group of people gets into trouble, we are all there to help. Isn’t it democracy? Which so-called Western democratic country that lectured us on democracy offers such opportunities? None," he concluded.