President of Belarus expects innovative new ideas to enhance economic efficiency

Presenting newly appointed Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov, the President noted, “Decisive, experienced, pragmatic, well-informed and sensible people are appointed to work in the Government. Therefore, I expect you to suggest constructive, innovative ideas, to raise the efficiency of our economy. You are the think tank needed to develop methods to ensure sustainable and balanced economic growth and to improve people’s living standards.”


The President noted that, apart from addressing current tasks, the Government should start working on mid-term plans: primarily, Belarus’ socio-economic development draft program for 2016-2020 (to be defended at the next All-Belarus People’s Congress).

Alexander Lukashenko believes that the authorities face a serious test in 2015, saying, “Much depends on you, and on your ability to mobilize all resources, to achieve the goals set. Everyone should work with public responsibility in mind, so that people cannot blame us for failure. We need to roll up our sleeves and get down to work.”

The Head of State notes that there is nothing extraordinary in new appointments, explaining, “This is a constant process. Life is ever changing, with alterations to staff appointments at all levels, as is traditional — especially in the year of Presidential elections. We did the same last time. The major core of the Government and other leaders of the country was formed before the Presidential elections.” He adds that the new appointments will be conducted before the elections and afterwards, in three stages. “We’ve implemented the first stage, so the Government, other officials and governors will have time to assess, and launch the new year, from January 1st, in a new way, if necessary.”

Mr. Lukashenko underlines that, before the elections, he plans to see how ministers and top ranking officials are working, using this to take decisions. “According to our Constitution, if everything is fine, people will trust us and support us at the elections, when the Government resigns. I will have a chance to appoint new governors and other officials,” the President emphasizes, noting that he’d like everyone to take up their new jobs before the New Year, so that they can begin solving complex tasks for the country.

“I attach great importance to current staff decisions, aiming to reinforce the economic bloc,” comments Mr. Lukashenko. Over half of the composition of the Council of Ministers has been revamped. The Head of State states, “If the economy works well, we’ll have finances and currencies and, correspondingly, social stability, so that people won’t make excessive claims against us.”