Siarhei Veramyeenka: Savings of Belarusians Turn into Funny Money

Other session of "economic magic" is nailed to the counter.

This week independent experts have shattered other "economic miracle" of the authorities.

It will be recalled that the government has declared "successes" in inflation reduction. It turned out that the mystery was easily solved: after several months of artificial deterrence, prices began to rise at once on many positions, especially food products and services.

What will be the result of "manual" management of the economy? How did the "economic miracle" strike on the budget of Belarusian families?

The representative of the Belarusian National Congress in Hrodna Siarhei Veramyeenka answered questions of Charter97.org.

- What can I say ... Unfortunately, our economy has always been managed manually. No matter how we try to call it, including "market socialism," it has always been run from above. Salaries and social payments are "frozen". It does make sense because this is the only option in the failing system.

The authorities take bungling efforts to keep the Belarusian ruble afloat which strongly depends on Russian currency in order not to collapse. One can travel to the Arab Emirates or elsewhere, get mad money out to somehow support people, but it results into nothing in future.

The very salaries reduction is based on uncertainty of people.

For example, there was a scandalous situation in Hrodna when a bus driver jumped off in the Neman. There is a Harodnya civil initiative; it does its best now to support drivers of this bus fleet. Glaring violations of the working hours and reduction of salaries were releaved there. Unfortunately, drivers try to preserve things that remained.

And there is the stone we stumble: people are not always ready to fight for their rights and the authorities take advantage of it. Amid an ominous economic situation people are afraid of losing last vestiges; this is the impasse both for people and the authorities. The government is allegedly trying to "modernize" something. How is it possible to do with things that do not work?

Let's take a look at technologies being invented in the 21st century, while the ruler travels around the world to sell 2-3 tractors.

- When will there be the last nail in the coffin?

- Of course, one needs to have a finger on the pulse when it happens. It should be monitored, because the very "guys in power" if they have a piece of brain will ask for assistance. Perhaps, it will be some kind of a round table.

It is a deadlock situation now; I can judge it by my surrounding. People sit and do not know what to do. Many of them believe that the situation will only deteriorate under this power. I am convinced that more courage is required by Belarusians.

- How has the other fake miracle influenced the budget of Belarusian families? What could you say about behaviour of prices for goods and services in your region?

- I can say about prices in stores. I visit some of them and see few people there, prices are high. Large store tries to stay afloat by holding sales. After all, it is not possible anything to a person at a really high price. As a result, products are getting spoiled.

On the one hand, stores need to sell goods at a higher price, on the other hand, if a purchasing power of people has reached its minimum.

The assortment of many shops is very poor. It is hard to buy essentials - sour cream or vinegar, sugar. For example, there was only Russian sugar in Rublevsky. It is cheaper, but it is still not bought. I do not why, perhaps, because of patriotism, or because one needs 1-2 tea spoons of Belarusian sugar for a cup of a hot drink, and 3-4 of the Russian one.

By the way, my wife wrote a request in Rublevsky and Belarusian sugar immediately appeared in the store.

You know, I sense that prices for services grow. I also noticed that people stopped valuing this money. It also caused the drop in a purchasing power. Savings of Belarusians turn into funny money.

Earlier, the same 500 rubles (before the denomination) meant something, to say nothing of 1 000, and now it is only 10 kopecks. Now it does not have any value.

People cannot get a reason of a price increase. Well, "manually-run" economy.

- The electricity in Ukraine costs 2 times less than in our country. How is this possible?

- We do not know what our rent bills rely on. What is the ground for electricity tariff rates? The information is not public. We are presented a tariff rate, a 'rent bill', later the price is increased and we still do not pay 100%. The authorities simply juggle with interest, they make a fool of us, and do not say the source for price determination.

- New Year is about to come, experts predict jump in prices. In particular, the price of champagne will increase. Many countries hold Christmas sales; Belarus, on the contrary, increases prices...

- This is the 'heritage' of the USSR, when the most popular services and goods increased in price on the eve of holidays. It makes sense, of course, to think about what can be done and sell at a lower price if there is the demand. But things are getting more expensive. It's an interesting and absurd regularity.

- In your opinion, what should Belarusians do now to defend their rights to a decent life?

- They need to stop being afraid, to compromise somehow. It needs understanding that I am a citizen and I am responsible for myself, my family and my country. We are the first who need changes.

To summarize, I'd like to stress that our people are ready for changes. This desire has matured in the society and it will not disappear.