“Chain Letters” Reach Even Those Living Abroad

Europeans are shocked by how the state can demand 100% utility bill payment or some kind of tax from the unemployed.

Unemployed owners of an apartment in Biaroza started receiving so-called “chain letters of happiness” from the district executive committee since mid-January, Radio Racyja reports.

The letters require the unemployed people to prove that they have an excuse for being unemployed, so that they weren't considered “parasites” and didn't have to pay 100% for utilities from February 1.

Such letters reached even those who live abroad, but have real estate here, Iryna, a native of Biaroza, says:

– If I do not prove somehow that I work or study abroad, I will be obliged to pay 100% for utilities. This is quite a lot, since the apartment is large. Therefore, now it is necessary to provide them with the documents. I got married and came with my husband to introduce him to Belarus. And that’s how my Motherland has met me!

According to Iryna, her European husband does not fully understand how a state can demand 100% of the rent for a flat or some kind of tax from an unemployed person. In his state, the unemployed are paid generous help so that the person could live normally while looking for work.