Lukashenko: Government should not be afraid of criticism when addressing employment issues

MINSK (BelTA) – In addressing employment issues the government should not be afraid of criticism from the fifth column or foreign mass media, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said at a government meeting on 13 January to discuss the draft decree on employment promotion, BelTA has learned.

“You are professionals and you were instructed to draft a comprehensive decree without being concerned of what the so-called fifth column in Belarus would say about it or whether the mass media in Russia or other countries would criticize it,” the President said addressing the participants of the meeting. “Please let me deal with political issues. I will make decisions taking into account political nuances. Your main goal is to draw up the document in the professional way, and make sure we do not to miss on anything,” the head of state added.

"The draft decree must be completely relevant. There is nothing to be afraid of. Scroungers should work. Those who do not pay taxes should pay them. This is a normal, civilized practice,” said the Belarusian leader.

The President also emphasized that parasitism is extremely detrimental to the society. "Those who work honestly often ask themselves: why I have to work day and night while he has almost the same things that I do without doing anything. This is a serious problem, and we must resolve it taking into consideration the current developments in our country,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

"Why would we look at others? When the crisis hit, those who criticized us now regulate prices and openly talk about manual management of the economy. Therefore, we need to pay less attention to what others would say and focus on the problems facing our society and the state,” the Belarusian leader added.