Republic

MINSK, 18 January (BelTA) – Household bills must not rise by more than $5 per annum, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko told the government session held on 18 January to discuss the development of the Belarusian economy. The President told members of the government: “If something has to change, including unpopular household services, you can go ahead but $5 is all you have”. Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarusians pay much less for housing and community amenities than people in the European Union. “It is only beneficial for us. If some enterprise operates in the red, deal with it but don’t hurt the people,” said the President. The President demanded: “I need to see real prices for one cubic meter of water, one cubic meter of gas, one kilowatt-hour of electricity, the cost of disposing of one tonne of waste and so on. When I see the real price, with lean earnings of public services, electricity and gas providers, then I will make my decision,” said Alexander Lukashenko. In his words, at present electricity and gas service providers are quite well off while individuals and corporations are supposed to pay for it. “So let’s see what we can economize,” suggested Alexander Lukashenko. He added that he is an adherent of strict frugality because the operation of the economy is guided by objective laws. “The economy should rely on normal, honest and objective information. We cannot put pressure on people,” said Alexander Lukashenko. He added that in this situation it is necessary to lend one’s shoulder to the nation. Alexander Lukashenko believes that recently appointed Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich will be able to reach these goals. “The present prime minister dealt with these matters when he was young and he knows what the cost of water is made of. And Vice Premier [Anatoly Kalinin] knows well where water comes from and how much it costs,” said the head of state.

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