Report of Chairperson of Council of Republic of National Assembly Natalya Kochanova

Preparations for the parliamentary elections, personnel issues and the situation in Minsk were the main talking points at the meeting between Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly Natalya Kochanova.

“The first question, of course, concerns the upcoming parliamentary elections. You have a whole range of issues to attend to during the preparation and conduct of these elections. Tomorrow we will discuss them in greater detail at the meeting with representatives of the political parties that have passed the registration and that, as I understand it, intend to participate in the parliamentary elections,” the head of state said.

The President asked about the work of people and governors on the ground. “We have said openly and honestly that we will participate in these elections in every possible way. I mean the vertical of power. This is a very important campaign in Belarus. There is nothing more important than the upcoming political campaign scheduled for next year. It will be followed by the formation of the Belarusian People’s Congress, the election of delegates to this congress. How are things on this front from your point of view?” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked.

The head of state asked Natalya Kochanova to keep her finger on the pulse and to provide assistance and support to the Central Election Commission as much as needed and as much as possible, together with the Belarus President Administration and the lower house of parliament.

The head of state outlined the second talking point of the meeting as follows: “There are a number of personnel problems. We have discussed them with you. I would like the Council of the Republic to have an encapsulated opinion on it, and I would like to hear from you how things are at the moment.”

The next question is the situation in the capital city, given that Natalya Kochanova is the President’s envoy to Minsk. “I would like to know how people’s needs for food, clothing, shoes are met, how the situation stands in Minsk,” the President asked.

He also noted that senators and Natalya Kochanova herself often travel to the regions, meet with people, receiving up-to-date information from local communities. “I appreciate that senators meet with the public. You have promised me to summarize what is going on in Belarus and to forward this summary to me if necessary. I would like to hear your position in this regard,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.