Residents of Vitsebsk: We Are Ready to Take the Streets

Grave problems in the economy can make tens of thousands of Belarusians take the streets again.

Leaders of the Belarusian National Congress (BNC) Mikalai Statkevich, Vyachyslau Siuchyk and Jauhen Afnahel visited Vitsebsk on December 23. About 50 residents of the regional center and neighbouring settlements came to the meeting, which took place in the "European Club". Not only opposition activists but also people who are not members of any parties and organizations were present, the BNC Internet source informs.

Guests from Minsk told about the history of the BNC, its activities, as well as about short-term tasks and plans.

Answers to numerous questions, including "how to achieve a change of power in the country" took the most of time. Residents of Vitsebsk told that the real average salary in the city was about 400 rubles, and some had to work for 100-200 rubles. The situation in towns and small settlements is much worse. According to participants in the meeting, more than 80% of the population hates the power. Many of them expressed confidence that spring will reoccur in the near future and the action of March 25 in Minsk can be the starting point.

There were critical remarks as well. The main one was insufficient use of modern means of information dissemination by the opposition, opportunities given by social networks and YouTube.

All the present agreed that only street rallies could lead to changes in the country and expressed readiness to participate actively in their preparation and execution.