February 20 was the latest date for paying the so-called tax on parasitism. 51,600 Belarusians complied with the demand.
In total, about 470,000 received tax office letters. Therefore, every 9th ‘idler’ paid the tax. The state budget has received 15.6 mln Belarusian rubles from them.
According to the Ministry of Taxes, a fine and even administrative arrest are provided for non-paying. Moreover, punishment does not exempt from the tax.
Decree Nr 3 signed by president Alyaksandr 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).
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.
The Belarusian authorities failed to comment on any possibility of cancelling the decree. According to Belarusian political analyst Alyaksandr Klaskouski, the president is unlikely to revoke it. Alyaksandr Lukashenka may put the blame on his subordinates, the expert believes.
- Belarusians outraged by tax on ‘idlers’: Proof provided by Belsat TV to go to Lukashenka
- €197K: Belarus govt gives cold shoulder to Alexievich, but taxes her Nobel Prize money
- Minsk pensioners receive fake tax office letters
As reported earlier, the Belarusian leader is spend this week in Russia’s Sochi. 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:
Turn English subtitles on
