Lukashenko says no oligarchs’ pocket political parties should appear in Belarus
<p> MINSK, Apr 9 - PrimePress. Belarus should prevent the rise of pocket political parties of oligarchs, who would push their interests, President Alexander Lukashenko said during the meeting to discuss activities of political parties in the country, Lukashenko’s press service reported on April 9. </p> <p> </p> <p> “The political party building process should not, as it happened in some neighbouring countries, lead to the emergence of pocket parties of several oligarchs promoting their own interests. This should not happen in Belarus. And I hope that it will never happen,” Lukashenko said. </p> <p> </p> <p> In his words, responsibility is the key aspect of the party building process. “It should be like that at all levels: a political party should be accountable to its members, the society and the state. Its members should take care of their party, the interests of people and the country. As President, I would like to see a personnel pool in political parties, if possible, within the multiparty system. New people who are able to take responsibility for the country, people with proactive thinking prioritizing the state interests should come from there.” </p> <p> </p> <p> Lukashenko also spoke about financing. “Just like in all developed democracies, such political activities in Belarus should not be financed from abroad. Some today’s party leaders think that the state will finance them from the budget. This should not happen either. We will inject budget resources in other areas. If people find that we sponsor political parties from the budget, you know what they will think about it. As for the foreign financing, it is specified in the current legislation. I want to remind you once again,” he said. “Every person counting on the support from abroad, on their money for ‘the social elevator’ and wealthy life should realize once and for all: if you take a grant from a foreign fund, if you agree to be paid for trips and other services, you immediately lose the de jure and de factor right to be engaged in politics, to vie for any government posts and elected positions in Belarus. We need to emphasize it even more, such political parties will cease to exist.” </p> <p> </p> <p> He emphasized that party system building should not be underestimated. “We think: meh, a party, let’s register and let it be. No, it won’t be! There will be a clash of interests all the time... I will voice my opinion: we are not ready for that," Lukashenko said. "When [the situation] in the country is difficult, and there will be even more difficulties, and not because someone would impose some sanctions upon us, but because the world has changed, gone mad - in this situation, smart people unite around one man, or a group of people. Instead, we will get started with pluralism." </p> <p> </p> <p> He said, however, that there is no need to artificially create any pro-government parties in Belarus. End </p>
2021-04-10
Primepress
Lukashenko says no oligarchs’ pocket political parties should appear in Belarus
MINSK, Apr 9 - PrimePress. Belarus should prevent the rise of pocket political parties of oligarchs, who would push their interests, President Alexander Lukashenko said during the meeting to discuss activities of political parties in the country, Lukashenko’s press service reported on April 9.
“The political party building process should not, as it happened in some neighbouring countries, lead to the emergence of pocket parties of several oligarchs promoting their own interests. This should not happen in Belarus. And I hope that it will never happen,” Lukashenko said.
In his words, responsibility is the key aspect of the party building process. “It should be like that at all levels: a political party should be accountable to its members, the society and the state. Its members should take care of their party, the interests of people and the country. As President, I would like to see a personnel pool in political parties, if possible, within the multiparty system. New people who are able to take responsibility for the country, people with proactive thinking prioritizing the state interests should come from there.”
Lukashenko also spoke about financing. “Just like in all developed democracies, such political activities in Belarus should not be financed from abroad. Some today’s party leaders think that the state will finance them from the budget. This should not happen either. We will inject budget resources in other areas. If people find that we sponsor political parties from the budget, you know what they will think about it. As for the foreign financing, it is specified in the current legislation. I want to remind you once again,” he said. “Every person counting on the support from abroad, on their money for ‘the social elevator’ and wealthy life should realize once and for all: if you take a grant from a foreign fund, if you agree to be paid for trips and other services, you immediately lose the de jure and de factor right to be engaged in politics, to vie for any government posts and elected positions in Belarus. We need to emphasize it even more, such political parties will cease to exist.”
He emphasized that party system building should not be underestimated. “We think: meh, a party, let’s register and let it be. No, it won’t be! There will be a clash of interests all the time... I will voice my opinion: we are not ready for that," Lukashenko said. "When [the situation] in the country is difficult, and there will be even more difficulties, and not because someone would impose some sanctions upon us, but because the world has changed, gone mad - in this situation, smart people unite around one man, or a group of people. Instead, we will get started with pluralism."
He said, however, that there is no need to artificially create any pro-government parties in Belarus. End