Lukashenko appoints new government, Roman Golovchenko as PM

According to the head of state, Roman Golovchenko has a wealth of experience of working in various positions, including the diplomatic service, knows how to hold negotiations, was in charge of the military industrial complex.

“I told him yesterday that our government is a collective body. He is the chairman of the government. He is the speaker of this government. He has a vote. Of course, he has the upper hand in a tie vote. Despite that, however, he is responsible for discipline and order in government, for the final result,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

The president explained why Roman Golovchenko was his choice. “We have accomplished many things in agriculture, we understand which direction to go. In the mid-1990s there was nothing, food coupons were in use. Today we sell these products for $6 billion, and are food self-sufficient. We also know what to do in the manufacturing industry. But our products face tremendous competition,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that in the previous job Roman Golovchenko was dealing with the development of the industry at the highest technological level. “I want him to advance the industry to a higher technological level, in all areas where possible. He is a good organizer," the president said.

“But, most importantly, he is a reliable person who can be trusted. He understands things, has first-hand knowledge,” the head of state said. “He is a reliable man, a patriot of his country, was born and raised in Belarus. Having traveled the world, he did not stay anywhere, in any country. It is very important for us now that patriots and professionals come to power,” the president noted.

Nikolai Snopkov has been appointed first deputy prime minister, and Aleksandr Subbotin will take up the post of deputy prime minister. Ivan Tertel has been named chairman of the State Control Committee. Dmitry Krutoi has been transferred to the post of deputy head of the President Administration, and Valery Belsky has been appointed aide to the head of state.

New ministerial appointments: Ruslan Parkhamovich is the new minister of architecture and construction, Igor Lutsky – information minister, Piotr Parkhomchik - industry minister, Yuri Seliverstov - finance minister, Andrei Khmel – housing and utilities minister.

Dmitry Matusevich will head the State Property Committee, and Dmitry Pantus has been appointed chairman of the State Authority for Military Industry of the Republic of Belarus.

“Sergei Rumas (former Prime Minister) will find employment in government bodies should he want to. His expertise is valuable. He should work for the benefit of the country," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“Rumas, Mikulenok have been transferred to another job. Anfimov, Dvornik have retired. Terekhov, Karlyukevich, Utyupin, Yermolovich and Gayev have also been placed into another jobs. They will continue working. It is just high time to make a reshuffle and replace some staff. The rest will keep their posts in the new government,” the president said.

“We are taking an exam today. Not only me. Actually, this exam is not so much about me, but about you. We will all get together, pass this exam, and keep the country united. We will be proud that time has chosen us. The exam is the election of the President of Belarus,” the Belarusian leader said.

In conclusion, he asked the head of the President Administration to organize the work together with the heads of the parliament and introduce the appointed officials to the personnel.

“I ask you to gird up your loins and do your job well,” the president said.