Issues of constitutional reform and party building were discussed at a round table in Vitebsk
This was discussed at a round table in the Vitebsk branch of the International Institute of Modern Knowledge, which brought together representatives of the deputy corps, public and party activists of the region. The event was initiated by the regional coordinating council of public associations and political parties. As its chairman Valeryan Matskevich noted, the Vitebsk region should not remain on the sidelines of the ongoing discussion of the country's development prospects, including the need for constitutional reform. These issues, as well as the problems of party building and local self-government, became the main topics of dialogue, which was joined by activists of the BNF party and the Belarusian Helsinki Committee. Today, these topics leave no one indifferent, as evidenced by the heated discussions in the audience. Despite the diversity of positions and views, all participants agreed that the voice from the regions must be heard and taken into account when making decisions. The role of guarantor of such feedback was taken by Svetlana Gorval, deputy of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus from the Vitebsk-Zheleznodorozhny constituency No. 19.
According to Alexander Dedinkin, deputy of the regional Council of Deputies, representative of the KPB, the events of this year in our country have stimulated the active maturation of civil society.
– We note an increased interest of people in politics, in parties, and therefore, it is necessary to provide for the transition of the electoral system to a mixed principle, when at least 25% of the seats in parliament are formed according to party lists, – he noted.
Regarding regional policy, Alexander Dedinkin believes that the time has come to give local representative authorities greater weight and powers. An active discussion unfolded concerning the reform of the administrative-territorial structure at this stage. Proposals were made regarding the need for strict adherence to legislation and the strengthening of social protection for workers, youth, and pensioners.
As Valerian Matskevich noted, all proposals, including those received from the regions through regional branches of public organizations and parties, will be processed and sent to the working groups on constitutional reform. Svetlana Gorval will provide active assistance in this.
— Proposals from the regions are being collected in parliament to form a conceptual understanding of the need to amend the Basic Law for subsequent decision-making. It is very important that the dialogue goes beyond the scope of constitutional reform, when citizens, taking the opportunity, speak generally about laws that, in their opinion, are ineffective, morally outdated, or need to be improved or even repealed. This once again confirms that the right format has been chosen for a nationwide dialogue, — believes the Deputy of the House of Representatives.
At the same time, in her opinion, the deadline for submitting proposals to parliament, which is known to be set until October 25, is conditional. This is only a certain milestone for formulating working theses on the need for reform and the country's directions. Svetlana Gorval is confident that the dialogue will continue beyond the formal deadlines, which is confirmed by the widespread activity of people in expressing their civic position.