Belarusian President on cabinet reshuffle spree
During a recent government session, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ordered that suggestions be put forward for the replacement of the country’s current office holders, local news agency BelTA reports.
According to the head of state, the ministers have not been following his orders due to “blasé attitudes”.
“And so, this week I am expecting proposals on the replacement of all the government leaders, all the tops from the staff reserve which I have formed,” Lukashenko demanded, “Enough of staring at them while they tell us how hard it is!”
First and foremost, the president intends to replace the current ministers of industry and construction, Vitaly Vovk and Anatoly Chery, whose immediate resignation he has demanded. He also said that he finds Oleg Dvigalev, Chairman of the State Military Industrial Committee, and State Security Council Secretary Stanislav Zas unfit for their positions.
“If they don’t fix things by autumn, if they don’t report to me on every undertaking, they will go the same way. All you other people in charge and others, I am just warning you,” Lukashenko said.
The Belarusian president also ordered the dismissal of Orshan Governor Alexander Poznyak and strictly reprimanded Vitebsk Governor Nikolay Sherstnev.
During a recent trip to the Orshan region of the republic, Lukashenko sharply criticized the work of the local government and the leaders of the different sectors and enterprises, saying that they had failed to comply with any of his instructions.
The president also blamed Deputy Prime Minister Vasily Zharko for the underdevelopment of the healthcare system and the widespread corruption in the areas he is responsible for.
“You want to talk to me about heroics? The president has publicly set the people a rock-solid task. Deal with it – period. But you have been sabotaging it,” the head of state said, describing his view of the situation as a whole.
In the middle of July, Belarusian deputy healthcare minister Igor Lositsky was arrested on charges of corruption in the registration of medicinal products and the selection of medical technology suppliers. According to the country’s State Security Committee, he took bribes of between $2,400 and $10,000. Sixth months earlier, presidential aide Sergey Rovneyko was also arrested on allegations of taking bribes.