Presidential election 2015 in Belarus

According to the President, it is not a problem for him to speak on television, his statements regarding certain topical issues are on television virtually every day. “I think that I must take certain practical measures in response to current processes. Will it make a difference if I speak about the prospects of our education and healthcare on television? Those who are interested in my politics know my approaches: education and healthcare should be budget sponsored. We will take care of our children and elderly people,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

“And you know it. And you can even say that it will be the same in the future. I have been committed to this policy for two decades. If some of them (other presidential candidates and opposition politicians. – BelTA’s note) say it, you will not be sure if they are going to do it or not,” the Belarusian leader said.

As an example Alexander Lukashenko cited populist statements which had been voiced by one of the potential candidates for the Belarusian President during the stage of collecting signatures. He spoke about the plans to create 1 million new jobs in Belarus. In this regard the President noted that, for example, dozens or even hundreds of millions of dollars were injected in the project to open a new workshop and a production line at Belarusian Steel Works which will employ at least 500 people. “How much money will be needed to create 1 million jobs? Where will he take it? It means that this person either lies or does not understand what he is talking about. Besides, do we need 1 million jobs today, will we find enough workers? These should be ultra modern facilities, otherwise we will not be able to sell products,” the head of state said.

“This is populism. It is good that our people figured it out,” the head of state emphasized.

Alexander Lukashenko remarked that even during the election campaigning he is, first of all, focused on the practical aspects of the country’s development and pays foreign visits. “I cannot stay in the country even during the election campaigning stage. I have been in Beijing recently and will go to New York soon,” he noted.

In particular, the head of state said that he will meet with the head of the International Monetary Fund to discuss cooperation prospects in the near future. Apart from that, he will take part in the UN summit and meet with a number of foreign leaders. “All that is important. Sometimes I think it is a shame that the president who stands for the post once again is not in the country in the run-up to the election. Please understand that I do not take rest. I am already tired of these trips and flights. Therefore, if someone needs this time on TV I can give mine. But the most curious thing is that they do not want more time. They realize that they will have to say something. And people will understand if they say something stupid,” the President said.

“I think that I will have a few minutes to say a few words to you before the election. If you wish, I can speak about the election,” Alexander Lukashenko concluded.