President
05 мая 2026, 12:06
Lukashenko concerned by rising requests for state benefits, incentives
MINSK, 5 May (BelTA) – During a meeting with the leadership of the Council of Ministers on 5 May, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that he is concerned by the increasing number of requests for benefits and proposals for enterprise debt restructuring, BelTA has learned.
For instance, the government has submitted a draft decree on the debt restructuring of cement industry organizations.
“Frankly speaking, I am wary of this stream of requests for benefits and ‘perks,’ especially following the appointment of the new prime minister. I wouldn’t want to think, Aleksandr Genrikhovich [Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin], that you are launching some kind of new policy this way: giving out this and that. It is all clear: exchange rate differences and so on… Once a director has taken charge of an enterprise, they should just work hard, and give it their all,” the president said. “It’s always some benefits, budget funds, and so on. And you start explaining it to me in these elaborate ways, asking me to ‘understand the situation.’ My fear is that the government might adopt such a course, if it hasn’t already. This urge to always help someone, to write something off… Maybe some do need help, but only if the state needs it. We must ensure this doesn’t become the norm.”
“That is why I frequently demand reports from both the State Control Committee and the chairman of the National Bank’s Board on various issues to ensure we are all on the same page. We have a new prime minister, but the president remains the same. It is the president who defines the course, and that course must be followed. Yet, time and again, I see requests for debt restructuring, such as for the cement industry organizations. What does ‘debt restructuring’ mean? I understand what you are proposing, but I have always emphasized: we must make the executives work. If you’ve taken the job, get it done,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
“We appointed people to those positions. Now, work hard, and deliver results under the conditions, that are taking shape today. What do you mean, we should help some and not others? Everyone must work on equal terms,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.
The other two issues brought before the president concerned support and financial concessions. Specifically, they included the development of Svetlogorsk Pulp and Cardboard Mill and Orsha Meat Canning Plant, which is being merged with Agrokombinat Dzerzhinsky.
“Every single issue is about money: postpone, restructure, take from the budget, help out… This is the wrong approach. That is why it concerns me the most. Let me emphasize again: you might be right [in these specific cases], but the trend itself is bad. Ultimately, this leads to tax underpayments in the budget. This is vital! Yet the State Control Committee remains indifferent, even though this is your bread and butter. The budget is paramount. Such attempts [to secure certain financial benefits] must be stamped out instantly and without delay,” Aleksandr Lukashenko concluded.
