MINSK, 2 February (BelTA) – On 1 February Chair of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly Natalya Kochanova met with heads of regional and district councils of deputies to discuss ways to improve local self-governance, BelTA has learned.
“There has been a lot of debate recently on the improvement of the local self-government system. We carefully studied the work of village councils and discussed this matter at the visiting session of the Presidium of the Council of the Republic in Smilovichi in September. It looked like the work done at the grassroots level is quite effective. The grassroots councils of deputies are known for their responsible attitude to work, people know them and think highly of their work in general. However, we are receiving all kinds of opinions now as we are getting ready for the Belarusian People's Congress. Therefore, it became necessary to have a fresh look at the operation of these councils. First of all, I want to hear your opinion, because you work directly with people on the ground and see how effective these councils are. We need to listen to each other and make a consolidated decision on how to streamline this institution,” she said.
The speaker noted that the interaction of all the branches of power helps the government to stay in the loop of what life is in the regions and what issues concern locals the most. “Legislative initiatives should address people's needs and concerns. The president keeps reminding parliamentarians about it,” she stressed.
Mikhail Rusy, Chairperson of the Standing Commission for Regional Policy and Local Self-Government of the Council of the Republic, is confident that the meeting was well-timed. The draft program of the country's social and economic development for the five-year period pays special attention to the regions. “Therefore, in the run-up to the Belarusian People's Congress we need to ask regional and district councils of deputies what issues need to be addressed, what has not yet been taken on board, what concerns people on the ground,” he added.
Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies Vladimir Terentyev said that since January, dialogue platforms have been held in Vitebsk Oblast. Top on the agenda is also improvement of the local self-government system. “Such meetings were attended by heads of village, municipal and district councils of deputies. There was a serious debate, with absolutely different opinions voiced. Everyone had an opportunity to speak up and put forward their proposals,” he said.
Tatyana Shekhter, Head of the Korma District Council of Deputies, represents a fairly small region with just over 14,000 people. “It is very important for us to promote small regions in order to encourage and enable locals to start their own businesses. We need to support local initiatives and boost employment. Belarus pays special attention to healthcare, education, support for large families, talented youth. The draft program for the five-year period focuses on the most important things – economic growth and better living standards,” she noted.
