President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko addressed the Belarusian people and the National Assembly with his annual Address
A wide range of participants were invited to the event - over 2.5 thousand people. Such a broad format is an initiative proposed during the President's work in the regions, which the head of state supported. As a result, in addition to parliamentarians and delegations from the regions and the city of Minsk, traditionally among the invited guests are top state officials, government members, heads of state bodies, mass media, representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, heads of religious denominations, parliamentarians of previous convocations, representatives of the real economy sector, youth, journalists, and bloggers.
In his Address to the Belarusian people and the National Assembly, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko announced a change in the format of future addresses by the head of state. "We have gathered here to broadly broadcast the political position of the state, to convey principled assessments of current events and processes, and to mobilize society for the implementation of the most important decisions," Alexander Lukashenko noted.
On the unity and values of Belarusians
"Peace is an absolute value for Belarusians, the most important, worldview-based one. And to preserve it, we all need to make colossal efforts. Firstly, to preserve the unity of society and the state. The country can effectively resist aggression only if it is monolithic," Alexander Lukashenko pointed out. Read more
Lukashenko: Independent Belarus is the highest good, and we cannot lose it
Lukashenko: Our values and ideals were and will remain unshakable
On historical memory
"The source of our values is historical memory. In the most difficult conditions, our centuries-old spiritual and moral guidelines were tempered, and the true Belarusian character was formed," the President said.
"Look at how history is distorted by our closest neighbors. On the streets of European capitals liberated by the Red Army, marches of thugs with fascist swastikas are held, Nazis are revered as heroes, torchlight processions are held in their honor, monuments to Soviet soldiers-liberators are demolished. Could we have imagined this a few decades ago?" the head of state asked rhetorically. Read more
On the Constitution
The amendments and additions provided for in the draft updated Constitution respond to the deep aspirations of society, stated the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko. stated the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.
Lukashenko: The updated Constitution will put an end to discussions about the form of government
Lukashenko offered a remedy for dual power in case the updated Constitution is adopted
On social policy
The Head of State noted that the country's policy is built on simple and clear principles. "The first principle is justice. The implementation of this principle has made it possible to ensure a balanced distribution of social benefits, equal access, as far as possible, to them for every Belarusian," he stated. "The second principle is responsibility. The state consistently fulfills its obligations to society, guaranteeing comprehensive and large-scale support throughout a person's life."
In turn, the third principle is care. "It is expressed in a broad and branched system of social assistance to vulnerable categories of the population and people in difficult life situations," added the Belarusian leader. read more
Lukashenko: Budget expenditures on the social block have been significantly increased
Lukashenko on dependency: a country cannot be built on consumerism and indifference
On the pandemic and its consequences
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko emphasizes that in the context of the pandemic, the main task he sets for doctors and the healthcare system as a whole is to save people's lives. "The President is moving to control the main indicator - the mortality rate of the population. Treat people however you want, but a person must live. This is the main thing - saving a person's life," the Belarusian leader stressed. Read more
"Our advantage was an effective healthcare system, which we cherished like the apple of our eye," the head of state emphasized. "Here is an example of how, having gained an independent country, we preserved all the best that we had. It is not that we are such heroes who created such a healthcare system. We had enough sense to preserve all the best that was in Soviet times."
On youth
"Youth is not only the future, but also our present. Young people today are direct participants in the social and political life of the country," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko.
As the head of state noted, young people should understand that nothing arises from nothing and is not given for free. "The result comes through hard work. There is no easy bread," he said. "We expect firmness, audacity, and dedication from young people for the common good. We have created a state, maintained it, and multiplied the inherited legacy. The mission of the young is to preserve it and give the country momentum." Read more
Lukashenko: We need to talk to young people on equal terms, without formalism and falsehood
On Foreign Policy
"On a global scale, trust in each other has been undermined. Old disputes and contradictions have been revived. Border incidents, local conflicts, cyberattacks, vaccine wars – these are all realities of today, generated literally in recent years. And Belarus, being at the crossroads of civilizations, is at the epicenter of these processes," said Alexander Lukashenko. Read more
Lukashenko: Lithuania must be spoken to firmly and pragmatically
Lukashenko on Poland's militarization: such escalation along our borders is unacceptable
In Poland, they wanted to capture a Belarusian border guard for subsequent exchange for Emil Chechko
Lukashenko: The West, in order to weaken Russia, will continue to destabilize the post-Soviet space
Lukashenko: Belarus will strengthen the might of its army
On sanctions
"Another front of attack on Belarus is sanctions. Don't think this is a challenge only for us. This is a global trend, a trend, in fact, a technology of global expansion. Sanctions are a traditional practice of the global monopolist: the USA and its ally - the European Union. This is how they have always tried to solve issues with competitors. This is how they fight against China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, Syria, and now Belarus. Today, half the world is covered by their sanctions. By attacking us, they are trying to push our industrial flagships out of the market," noted Alexander Lukashenko. Read more
On the migration crisis
"The migration crisis has exposed the unwillingness of our Western neighbors to negotiate and heed sound arguments. And in their cruelty, they have surpassed the barbarism of the Middle Ages. Their notorious priority of human rights turned out to be just high-flown rhetoric," said Alexander Lukashenko. - Belarusians, on the contrary, have demonstrated true human qualities to the world. They provided temporary shelter at the border, fed them, and did not let them freeze. Our border guards showed restraint and did not give in to provocations. We are aware of the specifics of hybrid impact and understand that this incident is not the last." Read more
Lukashenko: The established system of world order has actually become a thing of the past
Lukashenko called the Address three questions to the Belarusian people
Lukashenko spoke about the circumstances under which war is possible
Lukashenko: The viability of a nation depends on the depth and richness of its spiritual heritage
Lukashenko: We need to build a state based on our mental traditions
Lukashenko: Belarus is being pressured, including for its special path in overcoming the pandemic
President: Day of National Unity became an act of historical justice
Lukashenko: preparation of the 2020 mutiny is a multi-stage and coordinated technology
Lukashenko: state power is not a "President" chocolate to please everyone
Lukashenko analyzed the program of fugitives
Lukashenko gave advice to fugitives: go home, repent, and get on your knees!
Lukashenko: the problems we faced have a pronounced external origin
Lukashenko: we will not rush party building
Lukashenko: constructive organizations should fill the voids where foreign agents used to nest
Lukashenko: Belarusians will be provided with a day off per year for medical examination
After delivering the Address, the Head of State answered questions from the event participants.
The third part of the event will be a concert by Belarusian artists "Millions of Hearts". The concert will feature famous performers and creative groups, as well as representatives of the new generation of creative youth.