Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 16 September (BelTA) – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met with Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vladimir Andreichenko on 16 September, BelTA learnt from the press service of the Belarusian head of state.

Vladimir Andreichenko informed the head of state about the results of the recent session of the House of Representatives, the agenda of the forthcoming autumn session that will open on 2 November and the draft laws to be discussed at this session.

The President drew attention to the elaboration of the 2014 budget bill.

Efforts should focus on prospects and prospects are associated with the budget, first of all, the head of state said. Alexander Lukashenko asked about the involvement of MPs in the development of this bill, because in line with an established tradition, a chairman of the corresponding parliamentary group, MPs and specialists are involved in the initial stage of the process.

The head of state explained his interest in the process: “There have been pretty many incidents recently when we planned something and our plans seemed to be correct, but the plans failed to materialize. I would like MPs to look into the matter and analyze the work of the government when it comes to the budget and the major indicators, as well as general plans for the next year”.

“It is clear that the situation in the global economy is rather complicated. We should keep in touch with reality and set forth realistic objectives and targets for the country,” the President said.

He noted: “MPs should be more actively and critically involved in the elaboration of these documents, so that when the documents are submitted to the President, there will be all kinds of views on this or that matter”.

Vladimir Andreichenko informed that the agenda of the autumn session features 66 points so far.

Besides the budget bill, the session is also expected to pass a bill on introducing amendments and additions to the electoral law. According to the Speaker, MPs are now busy working on the Union State draft budget for 2014.

The President also asked about international contacts of the Belarusian parliament. The head of state deems it necessary to pay more attention to cooperation with the parliaments of Russia, other CIS member states and to continue a dialogue with the MPs from the European Union.

Vladimir Andreichenko informed that Belarus will soon host a coordination meeting of the heads of committees (commissions) for defense and security of the parliaments of the CSTO member states.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives informed that Belarus will welcome parliamentary delegations from Vietnam, Turkey and Nigeria.

The President believes that MPs should keep in touch better with the voters in their constituencies. Alexander Lukashenko noted that the MPs should always be at the forefront of this work and provide all kinds of assistance to local authorities in resolving pressing issues.