Landmarks of the country and people
The 5th Belarusian People’s Congress is a strong tradition
The open format enables citizens to realise their right, guaranteed by the Constitution, to take part in the administration of state affairs. Delegates from all regions of the country assess the work of the society and determine the major focus and parameters of the country’s development for the next five-year term.
Some would say that, under the current difficult economic conditions, the 5th Belarusian People’s Congress should be postponed in order to avoid uncomfortable questions being raised. However, this point of view was categorically refused by the President. During his visit to the Yelsk District Mr. Lukashenko reminded us that nowadays landmarks are very important to people, while the people’s congress is a wonderful way to determine them. The delegates of the Congress are to submit a programme for the country’s socio-economic development for 2016-2020.
“People need to be shown how things will be in the future without being afraid of telling them the truth if we haven’t completed something. We’re making a realistic programme. It’s being prepared to show ways out of the current situation and areas for further improvement,” noted the President.
The 4th Belarusian People’s Congress, held in 2010, brought together 2,500 delegates — representatives of the agro-industrial complex, industry, construction and the social sphere. The same composition of delegates is planned this time.
“We haven’t gone against traditions, especially those which began long before our birth and are likely to continue for many years after us,” notes Vladimir Pantyukhov, the Chairman of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Economy, Budget and Finances at the Council of the Republic. He commented on the importance of the congress in the life of Belarusians. “Using these events, the country’s leaders are able to tell the nation what they’re going to do in the next five-years and try to determine major areas for development.”
Mr. Pantyukhov reminded us that, on the eve of the Belarusian People’s Congress, another event will take place, which will determine the content of the conversation. He refers to the 3rd Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia due in Minsk on June 8th-9th. This large-scale project, initially invented to expand co-operation between the two states, has begun to play a key role in determining areas of joint activity at regional and top political level. Russia is our most important partner, so great attention is being paid to co-operating with it on programmes of socio-economic development.
By Alexander Benkovsky
