Tomorrow They Will Come with Double Taxes

Three life stories why it's easier to come to the Square.

Official media blow the trumpet of Lukashenka's preparations on business "liberalization". In practice, it means that some activities can be carried out without formal registration, but with the same taxes, inspections and other things that have become an integral part of everyday life of individual entrepreneurs (IEs) of Belarus.

Not having the time to "give loose reign," the authorities have already made an expressive hint to private firms and individual entrepreneurs accusing them of the fact that the private capital has created a "hole" of $150 million in the pension fund.

Will there be new fees and not just for entrepreneurs? After all, under the new decree of Lukashenka we are all "a bit of IEs" even without a registration. The leader of Baranavichy entrepreneurs and public activist Mikalai Charnavus answers questions of Charter97.org.

- Do you believe in other business "liberalization"?

- There is a good proverb: "The dogs bark, but the caravan goes on". He can say whatever he wants. It is not as hard as to do something. The reality will differ.

I will tell three life stories that, it might seem, have no relation to IEs, but they do reflect the situation.

In every single case I was the participant of the events.

The first story: a young woman from Baranavichy, 23 years old, was waiting on operation planned for February. For the first time she was refused, and the operation moved to September 6. Prior to that she had a call from a Minsk medical institution: if you marry a Minsk resident, we can treat you a Minsk dweller. The operation was revoked. Such a "liberalization" is waiting on us: they will keep us on a string and then take advantage of it.

The second story: an acquaintance came to a polyclinic. She came after work at 7.30 pm. There is a notice on the door: service break 7.45-8 pm. There are 8 people in the room, and they are absent. What a fool came up with an idea of such "service" breaks at the end of polyclinic day? Why do they treat us as fools who can believe that? There is always a "service break" for people's needs. The same will happen to "liberalization" for IEs and for every person and his rights. As soon as you recall them, here comes a "service break".

The third story: a person I know well got an eye injury. During six months he visited doctors, but his state only deteriorated. I wonder why they do not send him to the medical rehabilitation expert board. And I went there with him. We enter the room and are told: there is no time, you'd better come in six months. I took a book of complaints and wrote to provide assistance of a specific eye care practitioner to issue a certificate, because the doctor was so busy no issue it.

This is the way the "liberalization" will happen.

What "liberalization" is possible with Lukashenka? Horses for courses: he talks in circles, we do things. Nothing is worth believing. There is one counteraction to it: come to the Square and say: "Go away, we got tired of you!". Otherwise, we will be fooled other 20 years.

- How could you comment on a recent statement of the NSSF that 96 of 150 million dollars of deficit allegedly belong to "IEs"? Will fees be increased?

- From my own experience I can say that they will take advantage, anyway. But the paradox is that the state makes profit off fines.

All entrepreneurs actually suffer double taxation. They are summoned and required to pay a fine. And then the NSSF takes its contributions. It strips an entrepreneur to the buff. This is the lesson to learn for all Belarusians. Double taxation may touch upon everyone.

Last Thursday a friend from Slonim who sell household cleaning products was fined and his products were seized. According to the double tariff.

And these double charges are an essential help for Lukashenka. The power resembles vacuum; it drags everything it reaches.

- And what is the way out?

- It is necessary to forget "it's not my problem". Now it is necessary to unite as it happened 20 years ago and to take the Square. The authority is trying to divide us; any cohesion of people is like a burr in the saddle. No chance should be granted to the authority. Only cohesion will help us. It's easier to take the Square than to wait for them to come with other taxes.