Local Councils of Deputies must work more with the public - A. Lukashenko /

April 25, Minsk / Vladimir Vasilkov - BELTA /. Local Councils of Deputies should work more with the public. This was stated today by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, answering journalists' questions at the polling station where he voted in the local elections, according to a BELTA correspondent. "We must bear in mind that our Constitution precisely defines the functions and powers of all government bodies. Let's be frank: those who are given more are asked for more. Who has the most powers given to them? Of course, the President, and he is asked for more. Then we have the bodies of the three branches of power. They are also given a lot, and they are significantly accountable, especially the government," Alexander Lukashenko noted. "And our councils are just representative bodies of power. They do not even form executive committees, they do not appoint, but only approve the heads of local executive bodies." At the same time, according to the President, local councils do not interact enough with the people. "I personally would like the situation to change radically after these elections. Local councils must work with the public, work a lot," the Belarusian leader emphasized. Alexander Lukashenko recalled his repeated statements that councils in Belarus, along with trade unions and other public organizations, are the "pillars" on which public life rests. The head of state stressed that candidates must in any case fulfill what they promised their voters. "Councils are unlikely to be masters in their districts under our legislation. They do not have that function. But together with the executive authorities, they bear this burden, this responsibility, and together with them, they must become masters of a particular territory," the President said. "Therefore, I would very much ask that we do not demand too much from local Councils of Deputies for decisions on issues for which they are not responsible and for which they do not even have the powers, strength, resources, etc." Alexander Lukashenko voted today at polling station No. 1 of the Vesnyansky electoral district No. 39. -0-