What initiatives were announced in Vitebsk at the meeting of delegates of the VI All-Belarusian People's Congress
Addressing the participants of the regional assembly, the Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Vladimir Andreichenko, emphasized the consolidating role of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly during a crucial period in the country's history. The modern world is becoming harsher, with tools of dictatorship and sanctions in vogue, and historical truth and the rights of peoples to independently determine their own destiny are being called into question.
In such challenging conditions, the primary task is to preserve Belarusian statehood, ensure civil accord, and determine the strategic prospects for the country's development. This must be done competently, thoughtfully, through consistent systemic transformations, taking into account citizens' demands for an improved quality of life and increased participation in state decision-making. This is a difficult task, Vladimir Andreichenko warned, adding that the recipes for radical reforms imposed from outside are not suitable for us; they are detached from reality and do not calculate their impact on employment, wages, pensions, and the overall social well-being of the population.
Social justice has always been a distinctive feature of Belarusian statehood – it is this principle that should form the basis of the socio-economic development program for the next 5 years and proposals for improving the socio-political life of the country, the Speaker of Parliament is confident.
ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
Summarizing the most significant socio-political issues, Vladimir Andreichenko reported that approximately 5.5 thousand issues were received by the House of Representatives alone, including those concerning constitutional reform.
— This does not mean that the current Constitution needs to be completely changed, but it provides an objective understanding of the diversity existing in society. The vast majority of dialogue participants generally support established approaches to implementing domestic and foreign policy. Practically no one doubts such key values for us as sovereignty, the country's independence, a social state, the need to develop friendly relations with Russia and other countries in the post-Soviet space, and the preservation of a multi-vector foreign policy course, — noted the Speaker of Parliament.
At the same time, many proposals are aimed at the gradual liberalization of the socio-political life of the country. These include expanding the powers of local authorities, electing judges, and others. In general, the dialogue participants supported the idea of preserving a presidential republic. The issue of the presidential term length caused a broad discussion, with a very wide range of opinions.
There is an ambiguous situation regarding how the dialogue participants envision the transformation of the electoral system and the paths of party building. One option is to switch to a mixed electoral system, i.e., majoritarian-proportional, for parliamentary elections. But how to do this is not yet clearly understood by anyone.
— Let's be frank — we do not have large, established political parties. And the level of public trust in the existing ones is still clearly not high. It is obvious that targeted joint work by the state and society is required here to create a party system capable of effectively implementing the interests of various social strata, — believes Vladimir Andreichenko.
Proposals are being made to establish a single voting day for deputy elections in order to save state funds. This issue requires careful study in strict conjunction with their terms of office, he emphasized.
Initiatives for the reform of local government and self-government mainly propose the abolition of primary-level Councils of Deputies and the creation of local administrations in their place, granting them budgetary autonomy. At the same time, there is no clear vision yet on how to redistribute the functions of executive committees and local Councils of Deputies, the powers and mechanisms for forming bodies of territorial public self-government, noted Vladimir Andreichenko.
There are many proposals for the implementation of social rights and guarantees enshrined in the Constitution. Sometimes they go beyond the basic law, which, in the opinion of the speaker, emphasizes their significance for the population. These include the introduction of insurance instruments in medicine, retirement age, insurance record, cancellation of deferment from military service upon admission to master's and postgraduate programs, and normative regulation of social media use. All these are indeed serious issues that require detailed study, believes Vladimir Andreichenko. As are some proposals to strengthen social guarantees for youth, which at this stage raise doubts.
—Youth has always been a priority for the Belarusian state, this is correct and we will not abandon this course. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the real possibilities of the economy, it will be necessary to look more closely at the issues of developing the youth movement in the country and, possibly, revise certain functions of the BRSM, — explained Vladimir Andreichenko.
The work of dialogue platforms has shown its effectiveness. In the future, the preparation of a new version of the Constitution will be carried out by a special commission, which will be created after the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. Its composition will include prominent lawyers, representatives of government bodies, and public figures. By the end of the year, the commission will present a draft of the updated basic law, which will subsequently be submitted to a republican referendum. The deadlines are very tight. Complex and painstaking work lies ahead, as it is required to ensure the balance and internal consistency of all proposed innovations, noted the speaker.
In addition, it is necessary to simultaneously consider the comprehensive development of legislation, taking into account the introduced changes. Today, additional work with the public is required to clearly demonstrate the significance and effectiveness of a broad national dialogue.
A CLEAR DEVELOPMENT PICTURE IS NEEDED
The forum should feature a business-like, substantive discussion so that people see that the All-Belarusian People's Assembly offers well-thought-out, and most importantly, feasible solutions to issues in the current difficult situation, Vladimir Andreichenko addressed the participants of the event.
Meetings in the regions should proceed in the same vein. Such meetings are seen as a very important feedback channel for the authorities, acting as a kind of idea generator. The outcome of their holding should be specific proposals that can be outlined in the report of the head of state and included in the final documents of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. Initiatives are born when the conversation becomes extremely sincere and frank, allowing for the identification of fundamental, even polar, points of view. People want to see a clear, cohesive picture of the development of their regions, prospects for job creation, infrastructure development, improvement of the quality of life, and to understand the ways to achieve civil accord. Such aspects cannot be ignored.
— We should not shy away from topics that are inconvenient for the authorities: if we do not talk about our problems ourselves and look for solutions together, then those who are set on dividing society and destroying the country will do it. But there should be no excesses in our disputes either — we may have different opinions, but we have only one country, and it is our duty to do everything necessary for its prosperity together, — Vladimir Andreichenko summarized.
REGIONAL INITIATIVES
As reported by the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, since November, discussions on amendments to the fifth section of the Constitution, dedicated to local governance and self-governance, have been held in all regions of the Vitebsk region. The current system in the country ensures the resolution of local issues based on state and public interests. At the same time, the need has arisen to reformat its operation at the primary territorial level.
What proposals have been put forward by the participants of the dialogue in the Vitebsk region?
While preserving the existing model of local governance and self-governance at the primary territorial level, it is necessary to strengthen the positions of the authorities at this level by directing budgetary funds in the required amounts and securing revenue sources.
— Another important proposal concerns the consolidation of administrative-territorial units and the reduction in the number of local authorities. This is due to the decrease in the rural population and the increase in sparsely populated and even deserted settlements, as well as the reduction in the number of social and production organizations, — Vladimir Terentyev reported. — The creation of administrative territories capable of normal economic development with a self-sufficient financial base will increase the efficiency of services provided by local authorities and reduce their cost.
Among the possible consequences of this step is the distancing of the local population from the center of the administrative-territorial unit. To reduce social tension, it will be necessary to more effectively use the institution of elders, noted Vladimir Terentyev. To enhance the status of elders, it is necessary to grant them significant authority and improve the incentive mechanism. The potential of collegial bodies of territorial public self-governance should also be more actively utilized, especially in cities.
During the discussion on improving the local self-government system, proposals were made to abolish primary-level Councils of Deputies. In addition to demographic aspects and the reduction of social infrastructure facilities in rural areas, the arguments of supporters are as follows. Rural residents turn to the local government body on all pressing issues. And they don't care whether it's a rural executive committee or a Council of Deputies, the main thing is to be heard and helped. Moreover, people's representatives in rural areas cannot fully perform their deputy duties due to their employment at their main workplace, even overtime – often this time is also occupied by sowing, harvesting, or fodder procurement.
As one of the options for reforming the administrative-territorial structure, it was proposed to establish a threshold (e.g., 2 thousand inhabitants) for the population size of one administrative-territorial unit. Vladimir Terentyev calculated that then the Vitebsk region would consist of 46 such parts, on which Councils of Deputies and executive committees would be formed. The remaining 150 administrative-territorial units would be reclassified as territorial units, with the abolition of executive committees and Councils of Deputies. Instead, rural administrations would be established, while the staff size would be maintained.
— Despite the diversity of opinions on this issue, the main thing is to develop a concept that takes into account the specifics of the regions, and above all, the interests of the local population, — emphasized Vladimir Terentyev.
IMPORTANT ISSUES. A VIEW FROM VITEBSK
Along with dialogue platforms, the work of public reception offices has become an important component of the social life of the Vitebsk region. In just over four months, more than 300 people have applied to the reception offices in the regional center and regions, and over 400 proposals and remarks have been made.
— Such a dialogue is useful, constructive, and it is the future. The most interesting proposals made during the discussions have been sent to the organizing committee of the VI All-Belarusian People's Assembly, — said the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies.
Regarding constitutional reform and party building, residents of the Vitebsk region in their proposals often emphasized the development of the country's political field, including improving the legal environment, and stressed the need for the state to demonstrate readiness to activate political parties and movements. It is proposed to increase the term of office of the parliament and local Soviets to 5 years, to enshrine the status of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly in the Constitution, to introduce the institution of the Plenipotentiary Representative for Human Rights in the Republic of Belarus, and to create a permanent constitutional council with broad representation of public and political structures.
Residents of the Vitebsk region also consider it necessary to increase the role and status of local self-government and support proposals to transfer the activities of regional Soviets of Deputies to a professional basis.
— A large number of participants, representing all strata of society, are involved in the discussion of the most important issues, including those requiring resolution at the constitutional level. Therefore, the discussions cover a wide range of areas, including the development of the economy, the social sphere, and youth policy, — emphasized Vladimir Terentyev.
For example, among the proposals for the economic bloc, the need to ensure predictability and transparency of operating conditions and to eliminate cross-subsidization stands out. It will be interesting to hear opinions at the All-Belarusian People's Assembly on such an initiative by Vitebsk residents: to provide an opportunity for highly profitable enterprises (20% and above) to invest profits in the development of the territories where they are located. The global proposal fits into this context: granting regions greater autonomy. Mechanisms need to be developed to increase employment among vulnerable population groups, including youth, and to create additional incentives for employers who hire these citizens.
It is clear that a large block of initiatives is related to the improvement of the social sphere – from adjusting urban planning of districts taking into account the needs for social infrastructure and introducing new social standards in this part linked to the population size of a microdistrict to the need to increase the responsibility of adult children for elderly parents and the introduction of motivational tools for this purpose.
Vladimir Terentyev is confident that the proposals of Vitebsk residents will help professional lawyers prepare an optimal version of amendments to the Constitution, which will take into account the opinions of the entire population.
Representatives of the authorities, the deputy corps, the social sphere, and youth organizations took part in the discussion of the draft main directions of the country's socio-economic development for a five-year period, taking into account the regional context. Based on the results, a resolution of the regional assembly was adopted, which reflected the most important aspects of the live dialogue that took place.
Dzmitry Demidov, Chairman of the Novopolotsk City Executive Committee, Member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus: "In Novopolotsk, constant work is underway to find and implement new approaches to stimulating regional development through measures aimed at maximizing the realization of regional potential. Since 2017, a city strategy has been implemented based on increasing investment attractiveness, including through the use of a new organizational form – a petrochemical cluster. Thanks to this, the interaction between Naftan OJSC and Polotsk State University in the scientific sphere has significantly strengthened, which favorably affects, among other things, the enhancement of the city's human resources potential. Today, we are working on the development of industrial tourism, creating a resource center based at the Novopolotsk State Polytechnic College, as well as an industry laboratory based at PSU. It is obvious that the need for the formation of a state cluster policy and a system of state support for cluster initiatives has matured. Novopolotsk also has problematic issues, in the resolution of which we count on the support of republican management bodies. In particular, this concerns transport infrastructure, including the construction of a bridge across the Western Dvina, as well as new tram lines."
Tamara Drilenok, Chairperson of the Liozno District Council of Deputies: "With the development of industrial and social infrastructure in rural areas, it is necessary to strengthen the primary level of government bodies. They are at the forefront of working with residents, striving to improve the quality of life in rural areas, and trying to do everything possible to preserve villages. Deputies of rural councils are authoritative citizens, the main ideologists in the hinterland, who can speak with villagers about life in simple terms, create a good mood. Many of them carry the warmth of the soul that we are losing in cities, but it still remains in rural areas and is vital for people. To strengthen the primary level of government, I consider it necessary to ensure, at the legislative level, the strengthening of the material and technical base of rural executive committees and the redistribution of financial resources to solve the pressing issues of residents. In addition, taking into account demographic trends, I propose to coordinate the optimal structure of rural councils of deputies at the district level, including the number of constituencies, as well as, if necessary, the consolidation of administrative-territorial units."
RESOLUTION
of the regional assembly of participants of the Sixth All-Belarusian People's Assembly from the Vitebsk Region
We, the participants of the Sixth All-Belarusian People's Assembly from the Vitebsk Region, note that the political course of the Republic of Belarus is aimed at building an independent Belarus, creating a socially oriented market economy, strengthening public security, developing civil society, strictly ensuring the rights and legitimate interests of citizens, and active foreign policy activities.
The measures of state economic regulation adopted allow, in the conditions of the ongoing global economic crisis, an unfavorable epidemiological situation, and other negative factors, to ensure the dynamics of gross domestic product production, investments in the real sector of the economy, exports, growth of monetary incomes of the population, and the implementation of state social programs.
During the implementation of the measures of the Socio-Economic Development Program for 2016-2020, growth in gross agricultural and industrial output, investment in fixed assets, and retail trade turnover was ensured compared to the 2015 level.
Gross regional product per capita in 2020 amounted to 10.4 thousand rubles and increased 1.7 times compared to the 2015 level.
Growth in exports of goods and services was ensured.
Real wages increased 1.3 times.
Over 30.5 thousand people were employed over 5 years through the creation of new production facilities and enterprises.
An increase in the unemployment rate was prevented.
Work was carried out on the construction, repair, and improvement of social facilities; transport infrastructure, and modernization of production capacities.
At the current stage, associated with the unevenness of global development, increasing instability in international relations, taking into account global challenges and world trends, conditions of continuing uncertainty and increasing competition, and internal problems, it is necessary to implement a strategy for the preservation and further development of the economy.
The main goal of the upcoming five-year period is to ensure social stability in society and improve the well-being of citizens through qualitative economic growth, building social capital, and creating comfortable conditions for life, work, and self-realization.
The priority directions of our progress are the development of human potential as the main factor of state development, support for business initiatives, the introduction of high-tech developments into production, increasing exports, and ensuring the innovative development of the region.
The Socio-Economic Development Program of the Republic of Belarus for 2021-2025 is a guarantee of state stability, the operation of every enterprise, and therefore gives us and our families confidence in the future.
The successful completion of the tasks depends on the responsible attitude of everyone in their workplace.
A new five-year period opens up great prospects for the people. The duty of every citizen is to actively engage in creative work for the sake of the nation's future, our children and grandchildren. Together, we must all care for the prosperity of the republic, develop and improve it in every possible way. We are one people who must live in our country, make it richer, stronger, and more beautiful.
We, the participants of the Vitebsk Regional Assembly, approve the draft program documents of the Sixth All-Belarusian People's Congress and are ready to organize proactive and coordinated work for their implementation.