Lukashenko to form new government before presidential election

“We have always named a new government after registration as a presidential candidate. We did it before the election. It was a matter of principle for people to see who we would work with. We do not do this after the elections when you have been voted for and opportunities open up to place relatives, loved ones and others into the governmental positions. This is why we need to prepare a new government, to decide how the new government will be formed before the elections - either it resigns or the president sends it off. We need to think about it. People need to understand that we are not departing from this principle. Almost a final government will be formed before the presidential election,” the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said that the relevant personnel issues were discussed some time ago when the Belarus President Administration was headed by Natalya Kochanova. “We talked about it, and we appointed many ministers six months ago and have already seen them in action. Today we can make conclusions whether they can work in the new government or not. It is high time to take another look at the government, the top officials that we have, and make decisions on them, too. Either we work with them or move them to a new job,” the president said.

“I must say, I have no complaints about any of these people. Life goes on, and we need these changes. This question, Igor Petrovich [Head of the President Administration Igor Sergeyenko], is yours. Take all the information from Natalya Ivanovna [Kochanova]. Six months ago we considered issues regarding each person. Somewhere we have made replacements and some issues we have postponed until this period,” the head of state said.

“None of the government members should be offended. I am sure that the vast majority of current government members will remain in their positions. Now we just need to pass this exam. We need to work, not make a fuss,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.