Mahiliou Dwellers Are Forced To Go on 4 Subbotniks In A Row Because Putin And Lukashenka Arrive

In Mahiliou, a "month of Subbotniks" (unpaid Saturday work) was announced.

Uladzimir Tsumarau, the Chairman of the Mahiliou City Executive Committee, announced during a meeting with his subordinates that four subbotniks will be held during the month, Mahiliou Viasna informs.

According to the head of the city, the traditional city subbotnik is not enough for Mahiliou this time. Tsumarau does not hide it that the free work of citizens is used to prepare the city for the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia.

– It's no secret that we do this partially to prepare the city for the Forum. However, first of all we do it for ourselves to make the city more comfortable and attractive for visitors and tourists," – BelTA cites Uladzimir Tsumarau.

Park in Padnikollie and Yakubouskaga Street are among the sites where the Mahiliou residents will work. Both sites are important for the Mahiliou authorities: two years ago, the president of Belarus Aliaksandr Lukashenka criticized exactly these places and demanded to make them "shine with harmony."

Belarusian human rights activists oppose subbotniks, perceiving them as acts of forced labor.

V Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia will be held in Mahiliou on October 11-12. It is expected that Lukashenka and Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend it.