Lukashenko: Belarusian People's Congress is a support for people and government

The law on Belarusian People's Congress should clearly outline its competence and mechanism of formation, the composition of delegates and the requirements imposed on them. This was announced by the President at today’s meeting on formation of the Belarusian People's Congress and changes in electoral legislation.

“The Congress is a support for the nation and the government. It is important that people make decisions directly, and state bodies will then rely on them. Therefore, the Congress should have not only the powers defined by the Constitution, but also, perhaps, some other ones. The Basic Law allows it," Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

At the same time, the Head of State emphasised that the Belarusian People’s Congress should not interfere with the work of other branches of government: it will rather deal with its own issues.

“It is on the top – like a people's veche [assembly]. Discussions and decisions on some issues [are to be organised here]. On certain issues, recommendations might be given, or criticism – and that’s all. All other [authorities] are engaged into solution of their daily issues, as it is done at present,” Aleksandr Lukashenko explained.

According to the President, it is necessary to ensure the continuous functioning of the Congress, without creating a cumbersome administrative apparatus. “The law on the Belarusian People's Congress should sort out many issues: competence, the mechanism of formation of the National Congress, the composition of delegates and the requirements imposed on them. In turn, the procedure for electing delegates will be spelled out in detail in the Electoral Code," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.