Lukashenko: my decision not to touch prices until October 20th was thought-out and justified, and nobody collapsed
The decision not to raise prices until October 20th was well-though-out and justified, but this does not mean that prices are frozen in principle and that they will not grow any more. Aleksandr Lukashenko touched upon the topic of pricing at a meeting on formation of the Belarusian People's Congress and changes in the electoral legislation.
The President once again announced the inflation figures, which had been discussed at a meeting with the economic bloc of the Government on October 6th, “You heard of a hike in February. This ‘surge’ has remained, and another has been added to it. A price increase of 14 percent, so what else is needed? As an earthly person, I understand this perfectly well. My decision not to touch prices until October 20th and not even deal with them was well-thought-out and justified. Tell me, who has collapsed by now? No one. Someone has got scared. Because you will not create your fortune on prices anymore.”
The Head of State stressed that this applies to everyone: manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. At the same time, he drew attention to a fundamental point, “This does not mean that prices are frozen, and that they will not rise tomorrow. If we freeze them blindly, then in reality, prices on coffee, bananas, and something else will grow since this does not depend on us. We buy them. However, this is not the greatest fear for us. Those who like coffee can drink it, but if coffee goes up in price, then I can offer milk or tea instead. Well, I do not drink coffee, and I am well without it. Those who want to smoke can do this. But if tobacco becomes more expensive – well…”
At the same time, the pricing of imported goods should also be under control. As the Belarusian leader recalled, such a task had been set for the Government. “There should be no bonuses in the import trade at all. What does it mean [when someone says]: ‘Well, we will take your goods and put them on this shelf if you pay us a certain sum’? This is a bribe! Please do not do this. There should be no bonuses for imports or our products,” he said.
