How Does Lukashenka Spend the Money of His Fund?

The amounts there are big enough.

The State Control Committee (SCC) published the results of the 2018 budget execution audit. The conclusion of the SCC is the only source that provides at least some information on Lukashenka's reserve fund. Where did appear and what needs does it satisfy? Charter97.org asked economist Leu Marholin for comments.

- There is a state budget, which is adopted by the so-called House of Representatives. How consciously it does it is a separate issue, but the state budget takes the form of a law. Everything is written there. The government implements it. If something is misspent, it is equal to a violation of the law with all its repercussions. There is also a reserve fund, administered by Lukashenka. He is the only one who decides how to spend the money. The amounts there are quite big.

The government also has its reserve fund, which is used in case of fires, cataclysms and force majeure. But the fund, administered by Lukashenka, has nothing to do with these options. It's just money he uses.

- As it turned out, the fund receives money saved in other areas. Including the social ones. Does it make sense in our reality, when the budget is planned to be deficit?

- In my opinion, this fund makes no sense. Lukashenka just wants to have money he could personally use without any accounts and records. It is not quite clear why the extra money, which the government has not spent, is transferred to this fund. I guess one can find a sphere to use it. Moreover, the budget can be adjusted during the year. But, as far as you can see, it is decided to transfer money unused on other budget items to Lukashenka's fund. It does not make any clear sense.

- There is a lot of vague wording in the expenditure items of the Lukashenka Fund. For example, "financing of individual activities". How could you comment on this?

- I don't see much difference in wording. The key point is that this money cannot be controlled.

- Is there any possibility to track this money?

- In our country, no one has such powers. The powers of all bodies, including the Chamber of Control, are set out. So, Lukashenka cannot be controlled.

- Does Belarus need such a fund?

- We could have had this fund in some limited amount, but it should have all items described in detail. If it had "to award prizes," then it would be clear how the decision was made. Today, nobody has any idea how this money is used.

- How could this money be used?

- You say that our budget is deficit. If this fund could be cut, the budget deficit could also be reduced. In general, it should be subject to control. If we have budget articles that are subject to any adjustment, Lukashenka's Fund is a sacred cow that nobody has the right to touch.

If you like this article, you can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL 97 1160 2202 0000 0002 1671 1123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com