Natallya Kachanava, a 56-year-old native of Polatsk, is the first woman to have headed the presidential administration. Earlier, she performed the duties of Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus.
In accordance with to the Constitution, the administration supports the work of the president and controls the execution of his orders.
Who is Mrs Kachanava
Natallya Kachanava is an alumna of Navapolotsk Polytechnic Institute; later she also studied at the Academy of Public Administration under the aegis of the President of the Republic of Belarus. Prior to becoming an official, she worked as an engineer for a long time, in particular, for Polatsk-based ‘Vodokanal’ water and wastewater treatment plant. Later she was Deputy Chairperson of the department of the Capital Construction and Housing in Polatsk and Chairperson of the Navapolotsk City Executive Committee.
Kachanava, who was recognised Woman of Vitebsk region-2002, is known for her controversial statements:
Approval of ‘social parasites’ decree
“[President Lukashenka’s] decree on freeloaders is relevant, objective and essential, it has a positive impact on the field of work and employment, it facilitates drawing the unemployed into a legal economic activity.”
Low salaries
“A young graduate takes a job of coach and receives BYN 130. There is nothing for it! In general, a person should imagine how many young coaches earn. One should hardly count on huge financial bonuses.”
Retirement age
“Indeed, the retirement age is low in Belarus. It takes no account of economic realities and the fact that the life expectancy is rising and, accordingly, the period of receiving pension payments is increasing.”
