By Natalia Breus: Traditionally, the priorities of Belarus were outlined for the near future and the emphasis as placed on the problems that require immediate solution. Thus, the Belarusian leader notes export growth, low inflation, growing opportunities for doing business in the country and building an IT-country.
The main goal is creation of a state for the people.
The President notes that the security is in the national unity, strong domestic and foreign policy. Only then we can expect results. It is gratifying that the country has managed to overcome the negative tendencies of recent years.
The theses of the present message were not surprising for those who follow the activities of the Head of State. This is a logical continuation of what the efforts of the country's leadership were concentrated on. Much has been done in the economy, the social sphere, for business. But all the same the President sets benchmarks for the future.
Unfortunately, security on the planet is in short supply. Against this background, Belarus' policy of peace and the promotion of initiatives for universal cooperation are of particular value.
Now it is especially important to keep balance in the country, when there are so many conflicts in many parts of the world. Our security is in the national unity, in the strong domestic and foreign policy of the state.
Independence and international standing depend, first of all, on how firmly the country stands on its feet. That is only possible with successful economy. The negative trends have been overcome in recent years. We have low inflation, restored exports, weighted exchange rate policy. We are slowly coming out of a two-year recession.
The issues of prices, employment and salaries are in the foreground. The approach is unchanged-it is necessary to control price tags, the wages should go in tandem with the efficiency of production. The creation of high-performance jobs is required as well.
The major part of the President’s address was devoted to the economic sphere, while the concluding part of the speech dealt with foreign policy interests. The value of the union with Russia is only growing against the background of a complex international situation, but we also expect elimination of barriers and restrictions for cooperation within the Eurasian integration.
Alexander Lukashenko notes the revival of the dialogue with Europe. In such difficult conditions, we are ready to use all opportunities to promote national interests. And of course the strategic partnership with China makes us stronger. The CIS is an important platform for interstate negotiations.
The President's Address lasted almost 1.5 hour, becoming the most laconic one in history. After that, the President answered the questions of deputies. The topics of rental housing, the allocation of land, the quality of roads, education, including that in the Belarusian language, have been raised.
