Sannikov’s electoral programme: Strong Belarus for free people

The candidate for presidency in Belarus Andrei Sannikov has published his electoral programme.

We offer you its abridged version in English.

The time has come to return Belarus to the people!

Our country has been living in the past for the last 16 years. Modern challenges and global changes require new decisions and approaches, but the state system had been working for maintaining the power of one person.

Instead of a salary and protection of workers’ interests – an enslaving contract system; instead of creation of modern production units – conservation of Soviet-style management conditions; instead of normal bursaries and pensions – sops timed to the elections; instead of modern health protection and education systems – military parades and ice palaces. The nation is dying out.

Belarus is called the last dictatorship of Europe. We are left of the sidelines of European economic and cultural processes.

And the most important thing – the Belarusians have been deprived the right to elect their government. There is no free and fair election in the country.

I want Belarus to be revived, and I know how to do that.

The country needs change of power at al levels.

After my victory the Constitutional convention will be called. It is to rubberstamp changes in the Constitution and return a real division of powers. The country really needs the independent Parliament and the independent Court.

The Electoral Code is to be changed, free election of deputies of all levels, of city mayors will be held.

Judicial power will become independent, the principle of equality of citizens before law will be guaranteed.

The presidential form of power will be maintained, but the presidential powers and the term in power would be limited.

I promise to carry out a real liberalization of the economy.

My economic policy would be based upon liberation of private initiative and modernization based upon the new industrialization. Its aim is economic growth due to increase in labour productivity.

Denationalization of most enterprises would be held, a transparent and just privatization would be carried out.

I guarantee absolute protection of private property and development of unrestricted competition.

“Tax holidays” for two years will be introduced for the new business. Belarusians will be able to carry on a trade or business without registration.

The share of private sector in the GDP will be increased to 70% within three years.

Modernization of the economy will be held thanks to new industrialization and attraction of global brands to the country.

I guarantee that workers will be given up to 20% of their enterprises’ shares.

Belarus will joint the WTO within 2 years. Import duties for most goods except for luxury goods will be abolished. Protection of domestic producers in the transition period will be guaranteed.

We will carry out a budget reform. The so-called presidential fund will be liquidated, and its money will be used for increasing scholarships, for maternity-leave provisions and salaries for social workers.

An agrarian reform will be held in the country. Its main aim is to afford people an opportunity for economic management in agricultural sphere based upon all forms of ownership.

I will carry out a tax reform which will cut the number of taxes, lower the overall tax burden on enterprises, and facilitate the process of tax payment.

Our aim is entering the European Union.

I am sure that Belarus will be able to become the full-fledged member of the European Union in 5-7 years. And now we should use the advantages of the Eastern partnership programme, which the current regime is not able to take advantage of.

I will obtain elimination of visas between Belarus and the EU in the nearest future.

Russia is not only our great neighbour, but our main ally and a reliable partner. Strategic partnership with the Russian Federation meets our national interests; serve to ensure the security and stability in the region.

All the potential of our relations with Ukraine will be realized.

The regional free trade zone with participation of the EU and Russia will be created.

Our goal is 10 million citizens of Belarus in 2015.

The government programme “Belarusian family” will be realized, its aim is to resolve the population problem.

I will push through decrease of construction costs, introduction of mortgage institution, creation of equal conditions for access to loans, offering cheap loans for families with many children.

I promise to carry out a reform of the health care system. The health system will remain free, but it will be of high quality and will be accessible. Besides, a system of insurance medicine will be created.

Young people will receive European education. Belarus will join the Bologna process.

I will abolish the forcible work placement of graduates.

The enslaving contract system will be eliminated. Trade unions will be separated form the state.

I will guarantee the average European level of pensions. The current pension fund will be formed at the expense of privatization earnings and reassignment of proceeds from high-yielding industries. The defined contribution pension system will guarantee a decent level of pensions in the future.

Cooperation of science and business will become a priority of the state.

I will return cheap fares for children, students and pensioners.

European standards of living to handicapped people will be guaranteed.

The priority is the use of alternative energy sources.

Belarus will join the Florence Convention (the Council of Europe's Landscape Convention).

Considering the real situation with radiation conditions the state will provide an effective radiological protection for every person.

Social guarantees for people who had been affected by Chernobyl catastrophe will be returned.

Belarus is a neutral state. We must not join the NATO or any other military organization.

The term of military service by conscription is to last one year. Simultaneously professional military units will be set up.

Militia will become police, which would be involved in war on crime, and not war on dissent.

We will return the nation its self-esteem. Our symbols – the flag, the ensign and the language – are to take their proper place in our lives.

We should remember not only about ourselves, but about our children and grandchildren. We do not have a right to waste our lives on existence under the dictatorship. we must fight for our freedom! The fate of our country is decided today, not in the kitchens but on the Square. Together we shall win!