Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko compares opposition’s economic plan for Belarus to surrendering sovereignty

MINSK, 18 December (BelTA) – A plan for the “revival of the Belarusian economy”, recently publicized by the self-exiled opposition, amounts to a surrender of sovereignty, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said in his Address to the Belarusian People and Parliament, BelTA has learned.

“Essentially, this amounts to the surrender of Belarus’ sovereignty and the collapse of its economy under external control. Nothing has changed in many years. It’s the same old fight for positions, jobs, and financial handouts. Therefore, we have always fought with steadfast resolve to preserve our industrial capacities and the industrial foundation of the country,” the president said. 

“What does our self-exiled opposition propose, following the lead of their patrons? This document recently came out. Just a month ago, their offices in Lithuania and Warsaw presented yet another pretentious plan for the ‘revival of the Belarusian economy.’ It has four key points,” the head of state noted.

The first point is connection to the European energy grid. “If they come to power, they will connect the country to the European energy grid. Can you imagine an overnight increase in electricity tariffs by at least four to five times coupled with joining to sanctions on Russian gas and oil?” the president remarked.

The second point is widespread privatization and the sale of state property. “Comment is unnecessary. Apparently, this is precisely why they have been sustained for years on grants and under the direct guidance of Western intelligence agencies,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Who would bankroll them for nothing? The funding is conditional on the promise to hand everything over.”

The third point of the plan is financial independence through loans from international organizations. “A contradiction and stupidity in a single sentence. When these organizations operated in Belarus, they were not known for their altruism. Their ‘cheap’ credit came with strings: you must buy specific Western equipment, which is now pricier than Chinese or Indian alternatives. Take it or leave it.”

Finally, the fourth point essentially contains only one word: digitalization. “Without any explanation. Apparently, it’s just a trendy buzzword to be inserted into any plan,” the head of state remarked.

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