Report of Prime Minister Sergei Rumas
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Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has met with Prime Minister Sergei Rumas to discuss economic situation, budget planning for the forthcoming fiscal year, the preparation for the 2nd European Games 2019, the state and prospects of the Belarusian football.
“I want you to tell me briefly about our economic situation this year taking into consideration existing and potential challenges. Naturally, this includes finances. Secondly, I want to discuss planning for the next year. I hear a lot from mass media that you allegedly have an argument with some former government members regarding the budgeting period, in particular, whether the budget should be planned for two-three or even five years ahead. What do you and the government think about it? Nevertheless, while we are discussing some longer periods, we have to face 2019. What is the government working on now?” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked.
The head of state said he would like to discuss matters related to the formation and structure of the government. “Maybe, there are some proposals on restructuring the government and its hierarchy? I would like to hear out your take on that. If I am not ready to decide on it today, we will scrutinize the matter and take decisions later,” the Belarusian leader said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also highlighted the preparations for the 2nd European Games 2019. “The day before yesterday I saw Mr Kocijancic [President of the European Olympic Committees Janez Kocijancic]. We discussed the issues regarding the forthcoming European Games. Once again I would like to warn against big spending, as was the case, let's say, in Azerbaijan (we do not have that kind of money). There is no need for that. We, as I said then, should win hearts by sincerity and openness of our state and our nation and hold beautiful European Games. How are the things on this front?” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked.
Given the fact that Sergei Rumas also heads the Football Federation of Belarus, the president asked about the state of affairs and the development prospects of this sport: “Football is people's game, the most massive sport that attracts very many people. But the national team has given us no reasons to rejoice. Still what are the prospects here?”
For his part, Sergei Rumas noted that all newly appointed members of the government immediately got down to work. “Today the government functions in a routine mode working on certain tasks. I am ready to report on the economic performance in January-July this year and the projections regarding the key positions for the rest of the year,” he noted.
“You correctly noted that today the main task of the government is to prepare the forecast for 2019. At a government meeting last week we reviewed the draft forecast, the draft budget and changes to the Tax Code coupled, of course, with the monetary policy guidelines,” the prime minister noted.