29.09.2014
Belarus president: Every law should be understandable without legal training
MINSK (BelTA) – Every legal act has to be understandable and intelligible not only for lawyers but members of the general public, too. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he met with members of the Council of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus on 29 September, BelTA has learned.
“Your practical experience as industrialists, agrarians, engineers, medics, teachers, sportsmen, representatives of many other professions as well as close ties with voters should be the foundation for preparing the legal acts that meet needs of our society,” said the head of state.
The President stressed that MPs should not stay away from the campaign meant to eradicate red-tape practices. “If you see a problem that common citizens face and they are unable to overcome bureaucratic barriers, help solve the problem,” said the head of state. Alexander Lukashenko remarked that as a former MP he knows that members of the parliament can feel the mood of people by directly working with people, can see long-standing problems and shortcomings in the regions, can use reserves. “The government should be honest, open, and accessible to all citizens,” stressed the President.
According to the head of state, the parliament is an ideal platform for a sincere public dialogue about the most critical topics. “Therefore, the practice of parliament hearings should be wider implemented. Long-standing problems should be discussed at meetings with members of the government. You should make speeches in mass media and use the Internet more actively,” the President said.
Alexander Lukashenko remarked that members of the parliament should find healthy balance between stable laws and dynamic life. “We can wish a law to last for centuries but life changes a lot, particularly in Belarus and particularly lately. Don't hurry to correct laws and generate multiple amendments. At the same time topical social and economic issues have to be discussed by the parliament without any foot-dragging,” stressed the head of state.
The President said he believes that as bills are processed by relevant commissions, MPs have to understand how the law will be adopted and implemented. “Our legal base is more or less ready. It is time to make laws that apart from meeting needs of the present day are verified from the point of view of their practical value,” said the President. “The law should not use multiple references to shift the job of resolving possible problems in the application of the law to the central government or local executives”.
Alexander Lukashenko also remarked that every member of the House of Representatives should try to help their colleagues, members of municipal councils of deputies, should put forward proposals, offer advice and support.
Addressing the members of the parliament, who were present at the meeting, the President remarked he would like to hear an objective evaluation of the operation of the House of Representatives at present: “Is there anything that impedes the full-value operation of the parliament? Are there any functions of people's deputies that are not realized in full or are not needed at all? What prospects regarding the development of parliamentary activities do you see? How does the work of the central government, municipal government agencies, and heads of enterprises justify expectations of people?” Alexander Lukashenko went on saying he was ready to hear about all the problems that needed a solution and expected proposals that had been thought through and balanced, proposals that meet requirements of the time and interests of citizens. He spoke against proposals that cared for specific agencies only.
“Your practical experience as industrialists, agrarians, engineers, medics, teachers, sportsmen, representatives of many other professions as well as close ties with voters should be the foundation for preparing the legal acts that meet needs of our society,” said the head of state.
The President stressed that MPs should not stay away from the campaign meant to eradicate red-tape practices. “If you see a problem that common citizens face and they are unable to overcome bureaucratic barriers, help solve the problem,” said the head of state. Alexander Lukashenko remarked that as a former MP he knows that members of the parliament can feel the mood of people by directly working with people, can see long-standing problems and shortcomings in the regions, can use reserves. “The government should be honest, open, and accessible to all citizens,” stressed the President.
According to the head of state, the parliament is an ideal platform for a sincere public dialogue about the most critical topics. “Therefore, the practice of parliament hearings should be wider implemented. Long-standing problems should be discussed at meetings with members of the government. You should make speeches in mass media and use the Internet more actively,” the President said.
Alexander Lukashenko remarked that members of the parliament should find healthy balance between stable laws and dynamic life. “We can wish a law to last for centuries but life changes a lot, particularly in Belarus and particularly lately. Don't hurry to correct laws and generate multiple amendments. At the same time topical social and economic issues have to be discussed by the parliament without any foot-dragging,” stressed the head of state.
The President said he believes that as bills are processed by relevant commissions, MPs have to understand how the law will be adopted and implemented. “Our legal base is more or less ready. It is time to make laws that apart from meeting needs of the present day are verified from the point of view of their practical value,” said the President. “The law should not use multiple references to shift the job of resolving possible problems in the application of the law to the central government or local executives”.
Alexander Lukashenko also remarked that every member of the House of Representatives should try to help their colleagues, members of municipal councils of deputies, should put forward proposals, offer advice and support.
Addressing the members of the parliament, who were present at the meeting, the President remarked he would like to hear an objective evaluation of the operation of the House of Representatives at present: “Is there anything that impedes the full-value operation of the parliament? Are there any functions of people's deputies that are not realized in full or are not needed at all? What prospects regarding the development of parliamentary activities do you see? How does the work of the central government, municipal government agencies, and heads of enterprises justify expectations of people?” Alexander Lukashenko went on saying he was ready to hear about all the problems that needed a solution and expected proposals that had been thought through and balanced, proposals that meet requirements of the time and interests of citizens. He spoke against proposals that cared for specific agencies only.