Lukashenko promised to “step back slowly”

On Monday, the head of Belarus finally resolved the intrigue and announced the name of the prime minister, who will work with him during the next presidential term. Alexander Turchin became one of them. His predecessor Roman Golovchenko was appointed head of the National Bank. Alexander Lukashenko noted that the government as a whole has rejuvenated, and the leaders of the older generation will gradually leave the scene. Independent experts note the professionalism of the new prime minister and his overall market orientation.

Alexander Lukashenko began his working week by awarding the country’s most distinguished women in honor of the March 8 holiday. The President informed them: “You represent our country, our beloved Belarus. Beautiful, talented, smart, aspiring to a bright future.”

But he did not stay with the women for long, but moved on to solving the question of who will be directly responsible for building a bright future in the next five years.

The President finally announced the name of the head of the new government. He became Alexander Turchin, who until recently headed the Ministry of Executive Committee. Before that, he worked for some time as First Deputy Prime Minister. In other words, this person is well-known in the country and abroad.

It is worth noting that even opposition analysts, considering his candidacy as likely, noted his professionalism and focus on market approaches on the eve of this appointment. For example, economic analyst Olga Loiko notes on one of the opposition resources: “When he moved from first deputy prime ministers to the region, it seemed that this was some kind of stage to the next something important. This is a temporary landing, so that later you can climb somewhere from the area. Moreover, Alexander Genrikhovich had excellent potential.” The expert notes that his talents in the pre-sanctions period were highly appreciated by representatives of foreign business: “Foreign investors in the Minsk region were all eager. Even those who have already been in other fields, they just asked: “Listen, can we bring this production to you?” After all, adequate communication and management are very important in investment projects. And Alexander Genrikhovich’s prospects would be absolutely brilliant if it weren’t for 2020. But, unfortunately, it turned out the way it turned out. He was sanctioned in one of the first packages. Now there is an odious fleur of a ruined reputation.”

But for the president, of course, the latter factor does not seem to be something negative. Strictly speaking, many people decided after Lukashenka approved the composition of the government last week, in which rather minor changes were made, that the head of the cabinet, Roman Golovchenko, would remain in his place. But the president is not the kind of person who doesn’t give everyone an impressive surprise. However, the former prime minister did not fall out of the cage either. Golovchenko has been appointed chairman of the Board of the National Bank of Belarus. The president greeted him with such warm words: “If a man can’t sit in this hot frying pan for a long time, he’ll burn up. Therefore, by stepping aside a little, but not reducing the load, I think he will not spoil the picture for us.”

The president also characterized the new prime minister: “I want you to always remember that you have presidential inclinations like mine. You can spin it sharply. But here you will have to consult with Roman Alexandrovich.” In other words, according to the president, the new prime minister should consult with the old one before doing anything drastic.

The president explained all his recent appointments with the desire to bring a new generation of managers to power. “Take a look at the composition of the government. Starting from the Prime Minister, and especially the ministers. You will see that I have fulfilled my promise. Brand new people have arrived. Not immediately, but gradually. We introduced some of them to the government before the elections. In order to show people who we will work with. And we had to see for ourselves whether they would get involved in the work, whether they would pull this cart or not, and so on,” the head of state said.

He also explained what caused some of the substitutions. “You saw that some had to be replaced. Not because they didn’t pull. Because, probably, we made a mistake, both the administration and I, appointing them. There are people who can dig, dig or drill. As Trump says, “Storms, baby, storms!” They are digging and drilling, but this bureaucratic job does not suit them in any way,” Alexander Lukashenko stressed.

The head of state is clearly very impressed by the activities of his American colleague, as such quotes vividly demonstrate. However, both are betting on new people. Lukashenko explained: “The new generation, as promised, is running the country today. Indeed, a new generation has come to rule the country as the main block. Brand new. These are people who are in their early 40s and 50s. This is the generation that today should, having gained experience and learned something from the older generation, move our country forward.”

The head of state admitted that older representatives are still in power. “Well, that’s how it should be. Slowly, slowly, we will move away,” the Belarusian leader promised.

It should be noted that the new prime minister is indeed the youngest in the history of Belarus – he was born in 1975. He graduated from the Belarusian State University of Economics in 2002, and from the Academy of Management under the President of the Republic of Belarus in 2009. He started his career as a store director at the Avangard collective farm.

Turchin himself commented on his appointment: “My favorite expression is “evolution without revolutions.” And he explained: “Of course, there will be no significant correction of the economic course. The most important thing is to ensure the sustainable and balanced development of our country. Of course, the focus is on people, improving their well–being, and improving their quality of life.”