Belarus’ current Constitution “still absolutely relevant” – Lukashenko
<p> MINSK, Mar 15 - PrimePress. The current Constitution of Belarus has not exhausted itself and remains absolutely relevant, which is proved by the findings of public opinion polls. Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko made a statement to this effect on Mar 15 at a meeting with members of the Constitution Commission, the president’s press-service reports. </p> <p> </p> <p> Lukashenko noted that a lot of proposals to amend the Constitution had already been submitted during public debate at dialogue platforms, as well as through the parliamentary dimension and during the preparations for the 6th Belarusian People’s Congress. </p> <p> </p> <p> At the same time, Lukashenko emphasized that the current Constitution has not exhausted itself: “With this Constitution we have established ourselves as a sovereign, rule-of-law, independent, welfare state, and after more than 25 years this document is absolutely relevant. By the way, a recent opinion poll has proved it.” Lukashenko recalled that, according to this large-scale opinion poll, more than 65% of those interviewed do not deem it necessary to amend the Constitution. </p> <p> </p> <p> The commission, which held its first session on Mar 15, 2021, was made up of the country's top officials, members of the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic (both chambers of Belarus’ parliament), representatives of local government, real and financial sectors of the economy, public associations, science and education, culture and sport. </p> <p> </p> <p> Lukashenko reminded that the commission had been established in accordance with a resolution of 6th Belarusian People’s Congress, and its work should be open, taking into account the proposals made by citizens during the public discussion. “Therefore, the main task of the constitutional commission is to arrange a broad discussion of the proposed amendments to our fundamental law,” Lukashenko said. </p> <p> </p> <p> In his words, when adjusting the Constitution, one should take into account the best international practices. “However, our national interests, political and legal traditions should have the top priority,” Lukashenko said. “This is not the first time we are doing this work. We can make use of not only international practices, but also our own extensive constitutional experience,” said Lukashenko. </p> <p> </p> <p> As previously reported, in an address to the VI All-Belarusian People's Congress on 11 February Lukashenko announced that a new draft Constitution of Belarus will be ready in 2021 and would be discussed countrywide within a year. </p> <p> </p> <p> In Lukashenko’s opinion, Belarus should remain a presidential republic. At the same time, there will be a radical redistribution of powers within the top-down governance system. “Such powers, which the head of the state has today, are very hard for a man to bear. Besides, one does not know how such unlimited powers would be used by a person who, if we simulate the situation, seizes power by force,” Lukashenko said. End </p>
2021-03-16
Primepress
Belarus’ current Constitution “still absolutely relevant” – Lukashenko
MINSK, Mar 15 - PrimePress. The current Constitution of Belarus has not exhausted itself and remains absolutely relevant, which is proved by the findings of public opinion polls. Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko made a statement to this effect on Mar 15 at a meeting with members of the Constitution Commission, the president’s press-service reports.
Lukashenko noted that a lot of proposals to amend the Constitution had already been submitted during public debate at dialogue platforms, as well as through the parliamentary dimension and during the preparations for the 6th Belarusian People’s Congress.
At the same time, Lukashenko emphasized that the current Constitution has not exhausted itself: “With this Constitution we have established ourselves as a sovereign, rule-of-law, independent, welfare state, and after more than 25 years this document is absolutely relevant. By the way, a recent opinion poll has proved it.” Lukashenko recalled that, according to this large-scale opinion poll, more than 65% of those interviewed do not deem it necessary to amend the Constitution.
The commission, which held its first session on Mar 15, 2021, was made up of the country's top officials, members of the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic (both chambers of Belarus’ parliament), representatives of local government, real and financial sectors of the economy, public associations, science and education, culture and sport.
Lukashenko reminded that the commission had been established in accordance with a resolution of 6th Belarusian People’s Congress, and its work should be open, taking into account the proposals made by citizens during the public discussion. “Therefore, the main task of the constitutional commission is to arrange a broad discussion of the proposed amendments to our fundamental law,” Lukashenko said.
In his words, when adjusting the Constitution, one should take into account the best international practices. “However, our national interests, political and legal traditions should have the top priority,” Lukashenko said. “This is not the first time we are doing this work. We can make use of not only international practices, but also our own extensive constitutional experience,” said Lukashenko.
As previously reported, in an address to the VI All-Belarusian People's Congress on 11 February Lukashenko announced that a new draft Constitution of Belarus will be ready in 2021 and would be discussed countrywide within a year.
In Lukashenko’s opinion, Belarus should remain a presidential republic. At the same time, there will be a radical redistribution of powers within the top-down governance system. “Such powers, which the head of the state has today, are very hard for a man to bear. Besides, one does not know how such unlimited powers would be used by a person who, if we simulate the situation, seizes power by force,” Lukashenko said. End