Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Uphold cleanliness or risk Singaporean-style measures

MINSK, 18 December (BelTA) – It is important to maintain cleanliness and order throughout the country, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said in his Address to the Belarusian People and Parliament during the second session of the 7th Belarusian People’s Congress, BelTA has learned.

“Belarus is a clean country. It is the first observation our visitors make, and it is the product of enormous effort. Every day, tens of thousands of people go to work to keep the country clean, often beginning their work while most people are still asleep,” the head of state noted. This refers not merely to the absence of litter, but also to well-tended parks, streets adorned with flowers, and well-appointed recreational sites.

However, people have started taking this for granted. Some even create waste dumps within forested areas. The president noted that, despite this being the Year of Improvement, dozens of incidents are being documented in which vandals have damaged new property.

“Perhaps this is out of place, but, fellow Belarusians, I appeal to each and every one of you. Let’s respect other people’s work and not force the state to resort to Singaporean methods, don’t ruin the country. Otherwise, it will be just like in that ‘Western paradise’,” warned Aleksandr Lukashenko. “There, merely discarding a candy wrapper can result in a fine of up to Br2,000 or community work. We have already heard similar initiatives from a number of our deputies. Is it really necessary to take draconian measures here?”

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