Lukashenka: “We are Russian world”

The Belarusian dictator addressed the nation and the “parliament”.

The address lasted for two hours, followed by a few questions from MPs.

The dictator began with the economic situation. Speaking about reasons for the economic problems of Belarus, Lukashenka again explained them with an “open character of the Belarusian economy and problems in Russia”, BelaPAN reports.

According to the ruler, important decisions on the economic policy that will provide new growth factors will be taken by the end of the year.

“The economy is the guarantee of our independence, but it is the economy that has faced hard times. People ask what will happen next, what will happen to the ruble rate and jobs. These are difficult and unpleasant questions,” he said.

“Prices grow due to Kabiakou and ministers”

Lukashenka said prices should not grow for no reasons.

“The reduction of inflation is our priority. Prices grow due to Kabiakou and ministers. We ourselves increase prices. They say people should pay more for utilities; food prices are too low; our energy sector suffers, so incomes of oil refineries and other enterprises of the energy sector should be raised for the modernisation and higher salaries, and so on. It must be stopped. All prices must be under control. We needed to restrain those impudent at the beginning of the year, and we did it,” the dictator said.

Lukashenka stressed that “prices depend on us”.

“We cannot raise wages, and, by the way, no one demands it. Do not raise prices,” he said.

“Taxes, taxes and taxes again”

Lukashenka said he would impose a moratorium on the growth of taxes in 2016.

“We will impose a moratorium on the number and rates of taxes next year. We'll also get rid of excess control over the economy as well as of redundant inspections,” he said.

The ruler emphasised that “initiative and the ability to take reasonable risks are needed for a new economic breakthrough”. “It does not mean legal nihilism. Laws will be observed. We will strengthen our tax service. All tax bodies received a direct order – taxes, taxes and taxes again. Pay taxes and don't worry,” he noted.

“We bring in rubbish from abroad. Is our fridge worse?”

The Belarusian ruler doesn't like that people don't buy Belarusian products.

“We produce our own fridges but import rubbish from abroad. Why? Is our fridge worse?” the dictator wondered.

Lukashenka says that we support the production of Russia and Kazakhstan by supporting the production of our fridges and televisions.

“All Jews in Belarus must be taken under control”

Lukashenka ordered to take all Jews in Belarus under control. The dictator resented articles on tut.by about his ordinance on “social parasitism”.

“Yury Zisser continues to behave improperly. Aliaksandr Kasinets, I already ordered you to take all Jews under control. Even Pavel Izotavich [Yakubovich, the chief editor of Sovetskaya Belorussia newspaper] wasn't indignant,” Lukashenka said.

Alcoholics to be treated with labour

The ruler offers to treat alcoholics with work therapy.

Aliaksandr Lukashenka said it today in his address to the people of Belarus and the “parliament”.

“Such problems as drug addiction (not our invention), alcoholism (it's ours, we and the Russians have the same roots) and smoking not only ruin people's health, but also pose a threat to the nation's gene pool,” he said.

As for people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction and solvent abuse, Lukashenka called to use involuntary treatment and work therapy.

“I think the best thing for an alcoholic is labour,” he said.

The dictator promised that his address would be “a bit unusual”. It will focus on the events expected this year, including the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War and the parade in Minsk. He also promised to speak about the upcoming presidential “elections” and tasks for the next five years.

The dictator is afraid of Square

Lukashenka is afraid of mass protests.

Problems should be discussed in the parliament instead of streets, he said.

“The Belarus parliament is the key platform for a dialogue. Representatives of different population strata can use the platform to discuss issues of vital importance for the country,” Lukashenka said.

Addressing the heads of both chambers of the parliament, Lukashenka said he would like the parliament to invite people with different opinions. “Discuss problems, prepare solutions, submit proposals. I am always ready to hear you out,” noted the head of state. He added that on the whole the parliament should more actively work with government agencies, public associations, and the business community.

“We belong to Russian world“

The dictator states Russia is the main strategic Belarusian partner.

“We belong to Russian world. We will be together as it used to be before. We are closely connected with the Russian people, we are brothers”, he said.

“The Belarusians and the Russians are united. Some Russian liberals and part of its government say that Lukashenka has faced the West. Perhaps, someone drove crazy and faced it, but definitely that was not us", the ruler said.

Lukashenka stated in case of possible military conflict Belarus would support Russia.

“I say all Western people, as well as Americans: "Guys, if something is wrong, we will take the Russian side. This is our ally. Of course, God forbid, we get into a situation when, despite everything, we will be forced to support our ally”, he noted.

Lukashenka called "nonsense" his refusal to go to Moscow for the parade on May 9 in order to please the West.

“We will arrive on May 8 to the capital of our motherland – Moscow. And we will demonstrate that we belong to the Russian world” - Lukashenka declared.

Lukashenka asks to lift sanctions

Belarus is against any kinds of sanctions and restrictions in international cooperation, Lukashenkа said.

“We are always ready to lend a helping hand to the neighbor in a difficult situation. In return we expect respect devoid of legal nihilism and sanction pressure from our partners,” he stressed.

In his words, Belarus is a reliable link between the East and the West. “Belarus' multipronged foreign policy aimed at developing mutually beneficial relations with different countries testifies to the fact. Belarus' strategic goal is to provide an optimal balance of its interests between the different centers of power, build up equal cooperation with the leading players in the international arena,” he said.

It is also important that the development of every vector in the Belarusian foreign policy complements the relations with other key partners, the head of state added.

Amnesty possible for people convicted of economic crimes

Amnesty for those convicted of economic crimes is possible, Lukashenka said.

According to the head of state, this measure should not be applied to all economic crimes. “You know my attitude to economic crimes, especially corruption. There are economic crimes however when a person pays for the damage in full. I think we can do this in such cases,” Lukashenka said.

In his words, it is necessary to work out a list of persons convicted of such crimes that deserve amnesty. “If it is not done far and wide, I will support you,” he said.