Vladimir Terentyev: The VI All-Belarusian People's Congress will be an epoch-making event in the history of the Belarusian state and society
In the current conditions of fierce competition penetrating all spheres of life, Belarus has no right to make mistakes. Therefore, it is necessary to approach the changes that society will have to go through in a balanced and reasonable manner, to value what has been achieved over the years of independence, which includes a high level of social protection, guaranteed employment, and confidence in the future. It is expected that the agenda of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly will be formed after the Christmas holidays. On the eve of this important political event, the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, answered the questions of "Vitebskiye Vesti".
— What role does the All-Belarusian People's Assembly play in the life of the country and the region, and what role do you think it should play in the future?
— The All-Belarusian People's Assembly holds a special place in our political system. I believe it is one of the most important tools for implementing the ideology of the Belarusian state and social policy.
It is worth recalling that at the I All-Belarusian People's Assembly, models of the country's socio-economic development were discussed, critically analyzed, and compared. As a result, a choice was made in favor of a socially oriented market economy. It is clear that over time, many changes have occurred both within the country and in Belarus's external environment. Many contradictions and problems have arisen. And the search for optimal solutions to resolve them is one of the most important tasks of the upcoming supreme forum.
At the same time, the VI All-Belarusian People's Assembly should not be equated with the previous ones. It will be an epoch-making event in the history of the Belarusian state and society. On the one hand, the forum is to summarize, identify and analyze achievements, not limited to the timeframe of the past five-year period, but encompassing the entire history of our country over a quarter of a century. On the other hand, the task is to develop guidelines for the future. The ultimate goal of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly is to define such a vision of Belarus's future that would allow every citizen and all social groups to clearly understand their prospects.
The President proposed electing delegates to the All-Belarusian People's Assembly for a five-year term. They will work on a voluntary basis. At the same time, their role and status will be significantly enhanced. This is another step towards the democratization of our society. After all, in ancient times, one of the historical forms of direct democracy in the territory of Slavic states was considered the people's veche. It was convened to discuss common affairs and directly resolve pressing issues of social, political, and cultural life.
— How do you assess the proposal to grant it the status of a constitutional body?
— The modernization of the Constitution and the holding of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly are just a stage, the beginning of a path forward in new political and socio-economic conditions. Undoubtedly, moving forward, we must take into account sovereign national interests.
In the future, we expect extensive, painstaking work on forming a new Belarusian development model. Its main postulates are economic efficiency and security. And the leitmotif of all the efforts of the Belarusian people should be the issue of preserving the country, its historical memory, the balance of power, and stability.
— What issues of the national and regional agenda should, in your opinion, be discussed at the upcoming APNA?
— The role and powers of the chairpersons of rural executive committees must be significantly strengthened, and rural and settlement Soviets of Deputies should be abolished. The economic independence of rural executive committees needs to be strengthened by expanding their financial capabilities, and local budgets should be formed to implement projects in rural settlements. In the regions, people say they want to work peacefully, receive a good salary, and take care of their families and children.
Elders should be endowed with more substantial power, and their status should be raised, including through the introduction of incentive tools. By the way, the Vitebsk region is the first where the institution of elders has been recreated. We are confident that everything should work towards improving the quality of life for rural residents. Elders are respected people who know the needs and aspirations of villagers, are able to respond to them promptly, and solve emerging problems together with the authorities.
The delegate who will be entrusted with representing our region at the All-Belarusian Assembly must approach the study of the opinions of the deputy corps, representatives of local government and self-government bodies, and citizens very responsibly and attentively in order to express a common position and share proposals regarding the further development of the country to activate its internal potentials.
— In the multitude of discussions at the region's dialogue platforms, have you managed to identify for yourself the most relevant proposals and initiatives that you are ready to voice from the rostrum of the upcoming forum, if such an opportunity is provided to you?
— In my opinion, we should take a closer look at the traditions of patriotic education, taking all the best from the past. It is not for nothing that it is said that the new is the well-forgotten old.
Issues of geopolitics, information security, and international cooperation also require attention.
It is important to note that as of November 11, public reception offices have been operating in Vitebsk and all regions of the oblast, which have already received over 320 proposals and comments. Primarily, citizens are addressing issues related to proposed amendments to the Constitution and legislative acts of the Republic of Belarus. Publicly significant proposals, after being summarized, will be sent to the organizing committee of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly.
— Do you have a recipe for the future on how to unite the creative potential of local council deputies and delegates of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly in the interests of regional development?
— First and foremost, it is necessary for every deputy and delegate to be concerned about what is happening in the country and the region. On this basis, it is possible to unite in order to more boldly defend one's position and act more actively in promoting the interests of the regions. We all want to live in peace and harmony, in a calm country, in favorable conditions, and to have a decent salary earned through our own labor. We expect that this assembly will further unite our ranks, providing additional resources and opportunities for joint work for the benefit of the Fatherland.