Lukashenka vs businessmen. Will Belarusians take part in entrepreneurs' protests?

Self-employed businessmen’s good years have finished, Belarusian president Alyaksandr Lukashenka said on Thursday.

“They should realize that the certification of products that we had introduced is the first step. All products should have accompanying documents. We need transparent trade,” he stressed.

“Will you join Belarusian entrepreneurs if they hold street protests? Belsat TV asked the residents of Brest.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGcmZ4VmJ1QXZoZjglMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvd2Z1bGxzY3JlZW4lM0UlM0MlMkZpZnJhbWUlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

“I think one should not do it. Everything is OK in the country; it is calm, everyone is glad. Would to God that other republics could have the same.”

“In my opinion, an ordinary employee can protest, but owners [of businesses] cannot. Why should they do it?! They have high net profits!”

“In my view, in Belarus protest actions are rarely successful.”

“I do not care. I do not buy anything from them. I am not going to support them.”

Beginning 2016, Belarusian self-employed businessmen selling clothes and shoes have to start working in accordance with the new rules that came into force on January, 1. Lukashenka’s Decree 222 of March 16, 2014 canceled the previous benefits in the required package of accompanying documents for the goods and ordered to get for them not only consignment documents, but also a certificate for compliance with the Eurasian Economic Community.

Representatives of entrepreneurs’ movement argued that the Russian market, where they bring cheap Turkish or Chinese clothing from, such documents are difficult to obtain. As a result, the businessman are fined and their goods are seized.

Read also: Belarusian entrepreneurs concerned over new work regulations