The Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee discussed the draft amendments and additions to the Constitution with the region's active members
The conversation was lively and substantive, which is not surprising. After all, competent members of the presidium — Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Belarus Maxim Ryzhenkov, Director of the National Center for Legislation and Legal Research of the Republic of Belarus Vadim Ipatov — shared their thoughts on the draft amendments and additions to the Constitution, as well as those in the hall, among whom there were no indifferent people, as the meeting brought together people with an active civic stance: deputies of the regional council, chairmen of district councils of deputies, heads of city (district) executive committees, enterprises and organizations, representatives of the media. At the meeting, they were able to receive qualified answers to their questions in order to then convey this information to the residents of the region.
A response to the challenges of the times
Alexander Subbotin emphasized that the amendment of the Constitution is one of the turning points in the life of our republic. The revised document is not just a response to modern challenges, it will allow the country to develop more effectively.
— I think that in all strata of our society there will be groups that pay great attention to the changes planned to be made to the Constitution, — noted Maxim Ryzhenkov. — Because the spectrum of changes is diverse. And, of course, different people are concerned about different things.
For large families and representatives of the older generation, the state's social responsibility, the preservation of social guarantees, and healthcare issues are paramount, specified Maxim Vladimirovich. It is important for mothers that support measures for women raising children remain. Certain messages of the updated Constitution are also significant for people who pay great attention to the historical past. Many of the appeals received during the discussion of the new version of the Basic Law of the state, according to Maxim Ryzhenkov, concern power: the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, the powers of the President and parliament, and their redistribution. In addition, people are paying attention to issues of patriotic education and the fact that a person's responsibility for maintaining their health is increasing.
Separately, the First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Belarus focused on the significant role of the younger generation in the important events taking place in the country.
— I really like that our youth has actively joined the process of discussing amendments to the Constitution, — noted Maxim Ryzhenkov, emphasizing that the Belarusian National Youth Union holds the leading positions in this process, being, in fact, the driving force of all youth initiatives.
For a peaceful and stable life
Vadim Ipatov spoke in more detail about the formation of the political system of sovereign Belarus in the 90s of the last century and about the work on adjusting the Constitution that began back in 2016, and also explained why it is so important for people to come to the referendum. Using specific examples, Vadim Dmitrievich showed how dangerous the division of society into a passive majority and an active minority is: with such an approach, changes in the country may ultimately not reflect the people's desires at all. That is why everyone needs to express their civic position not only in words but also in deeds.
Speaking about the liberalization of Belarusian legislation, Vadim Ipatov emphasized that it is a gradual process, which has been ongoing for many years and is primarily aimed at ensuring a peaceful and stable life. Much attention in the speech was paid to the powers of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, which, according to the draft Constitution, will be able to make strategically important decisions or, in an emergency, block those that threaten national security. This body of power is designed to become an additional tool for confirming the development course chosen by our republic.
Although the speech was very informative, many questions were asked afterwards: people did not miss the opportunity to express their views and hear competent comments. For example, the meeting participants were interested in whether the change in the status of Presidential decrees and the transfer of some powers to the All-Belarusian People's Assembly would affect the speed of decision-making; why public organizations, which are often more numerous and active than political parties, are not granted the right to nominate candidates for deputies. The proposals received will be summarized and transferred to the National Center for Legal Information.
— Our legal system is constantly improving, — Alexander Subbotin noted at the end of the conversation. — We should appreciate and multiply the best that we have. Today, everything is in our hands. Everyone can change their life and the life of the country.