Lukashenka: We'll take austerity measures next year

Austerity measures will be a priority for Belarus next year.

Aliaksandr Lukashenka made this statement during his visit to the State Forensics Committee, BelTA reports.

“We will start implementing austerity measures from the beginning of 2015. We are a frugal nation. Yet our financial discipline is sometimes poor,” the dictator said. “Austerity is the number one priority for the next year. This pertains to everyone,” the ruler stressed.

Aliaksandr Lukashenka noted that he ordered government bodies to cut supplies and utilities by half. He emphasised that it wouldn't hit salaries.

“We have reached the point when everyone has personal cars. Gasoline is not cheap these days. Everyone wants to have a decent salary and cheap housing loans, at the minimum,” the dictator said. “This is right. Therefore, we will not cut down on salaries and housing loans. However, we will try to save everywhere we can.”

“No matter how much money we will have, we will save as much as possible. Why? Let's put an end to this havoc with foreign currencies. We need to realise one thing: if we want stability on the FX market, everyone, from individuals to legal entities, should contribute at least a penny to the state budget. This is the key to stability. In the situation when some earn foreign currency for the country, while others just come to exchange offices to buy, spend and stash money, then the country will tumble,” Lukashenka said.