Lukashenka: Russian market collapsed and we followed it

Dictator again threatened to imprison officials and demanded "to tense up".

The press service of Aliaksandr Lukashenka told charter97.org about it.

The governor, addressing to the local vertical of power, instructed to optimize the structure of organizations under their command.

"I do draw attention to it so we could finally be able to put things right in all spheres and areas rather than waiting for any additional instructions. Everything should be pure and simple", Lukashenka underlined.

"We were too entertained as far back as the Soviet Union collapsed and followed some import names such as holdings, etc. We had industrial associations, these are the holdings, aren't they? So why were they renamed?! But now there are holdings, industrial associations and something else...Everything should be pure and simple both in agricultural and industrial spheres, he said. - Only in agricultural sphere we had things right: collective and state farms. Now it's the hell of a mess! Until new five-year plan starts this all should be brought to its normal state. To say nothing of names. There was a race in the country for the right to give a certain name to a collective farm or a company. The decisions were made at the highest political level. Now the Chairman of the collective farm may name it as he wishes, even in dirty word".

The dictator, addressing the appointed Deputy Chairman of Minsk City Executive Committee Viktar Laptseu, has raised the issue of long-term constructions.

According to Laptseu, there are 172 houses in the course of building in the capital and 4 of them have problems, another 15 also may be problematic.

"Why have we taken strong measures and problematic houses are built again? Aliaksandr Lukashenka outraged. - Our heads of administrations do nothing in Minsk. I criticize the Chairmen of District Executive Committees for they are barely moving or they do not have enough power and we are working on it, but the heads of administrations in Minsk do nothing at all!"

"Today they are almost in the wilderness, Lukashenka believes. - They should work up to eleven and first of all in order to control and prevent problems among the population. Let's sum them up: housing and public utilities, educational sphere and first of all housebuilding. I can't even imagine how it is possible to have problematic housebuildings?! I cannot possibly understand it! Everything is pure: here we have licensed enterprises which are entitled to build, there is a supervisor, people give money and there is a contract so it should be performed".

"In the name of revolution, not looking at anyone, you should solve the problem," Aliaksandr Lukashenka said. - There is one who pays. I'm sure that people pay out money under the contract. There are those who must build. I fear the problems are with builders. In the name of revolution you should solve these problems! Otherwise, I say it again - everyone will be imprisoned!"

"I will never let people contact you, with the thought of addressing the President, with questions on absence of order so it really happens, it's true. So I also use decisive actions to put things right", he warned.

One of the main issues is the situation in foreign markets.

"This year is special, the situation is difficult. You see how Russia has slipped - it is our main partner. You can observe the situation in Ukraine - one of the main our business partners. The war continues so they are not much interested in shopping, especially in complex household appliances and technical products such as MAZ, BelAZ, tractors, etc., he mentioned.  - But it doesn't mean that we will give up and wait for better times! Oh, no! We should do everything possible to save our production and not to throw people out".

The Governor has again focused attention on the need to diversify exports.

"We cannot put all our hopes on Russia even if it is our fraternal country. As you can see, this market has collapsed and we have followed it. Yes, we used to deliver 85% of all goods to the Russian market, today we already have 40-45% of it. We have reduced our dependence on one market but it is not enough, as you can see. Plus we have Ukraine. I do not think that the better situation is in Kazakhstan now. So we must enter new markets at any cost. And it is possible", he stated.

According to him, some Belarusian enterprises in the US market prove it. "All sanctions have been lifted and now we do business. So, everything is possible," he said.

The President noted that the leaders of the local vertical of power must get to the heart of the operation of enterprises within their territory despite their departmental affiliation. "Remember that there are no foreign enterprises within your districts". They are all yours. You are the Presidents in these districts, Aliaksandr Lukashenka said. - So you are free to visit them and require results".

“Once again I emphasize that the world situation is quite complex, especially in our region. I must say that it happens for the first time. And we should prove that we can manage this challenge, he pointed out.  - Next year is going to try us. No matter how difficult it is we should make people understand us, but first of all we must provide them with results".

Agreeing upon the appointment of the new head of Mogilev Strommashina Plant Uladzimir Dzemidzenka, the President has demanded to seek new markets for the goods and it should be done allowing for their demand. The Governor considers the situation unacceptable in which an enterprise produces to stock. Today a key factor is not only to produce but also to sell at a profit. And it should be the key point in building up a strategy for future actions, he believes.