Rest or work? Belarusians outraged by Lukashenka leaving for Sochi after street protests (ENG video)

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Alyaksandr Lukashenka will spend this week in Russia’s Sochi, Belarus president’s press service reported on Monday. There is no information whether it is an official visit or a holiday trip.

Many Belarusians are outraged by Lukashenka’s leaving for Sochi as the country is presently in the throes. On February 17-19, people were protesting the so-called ‘parasite’ law in six Belarusian cities. The most sizable actions took place in Minsk and Homiel.

“Our officials are not wise; they make stupid laws and turn people into beggars!”

“Lukashenka had better be there and solve problems!”

“He is resting and rolling in clover while we live in poverty!”

“He should not have left for Sochi. He had better be here. He should have given instructions and tackled sore issues. He should have put off his visit.”

“My son cannot find a job for long. He has to maintain a large family, they have three kids. And no official cares!”

“I think he is wrong. Business before pleasure – the country’s problems should have been fixed first!”

“I believe it’s no good. He should have addressed the current challenges. I am against the decree on ‘social parasitism’. It is not the right time for him to have a rest.”

Decree Nr 3 signed by president Lukashenka in April, 2015 established the obligation of the citizens of Belarus, foreign citizens permanently residing in Belarus, stateless persons, who did not participate in the financing of public spending or participated in such financing less than 183 days (six months – ed.) in the past year, to pay a fee of 20 basic units (appr. $230).

Belsat.eu