The notorious decree on ‘social parasites’ violates rights and liberties of Belarusian citizens. Opposition MP Hanna Kanapatskaya urges president Alyksandr Lukashenka to cancel it.
According to the MP, one should create conditions for the development of entrepreneurship in the country and, in particular, enhance public confidence in the authorities. However, at the moment the situation is reverse – besides that people are afraid to lose their jobs, additional pressure is exerted on them with the help of the decree.
The decree which was signed 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).
“I really hope that this decree will be revoked or, at least, suspended. I traveled for work all over the country and spoke to people; there has not been a single positive response to the decree. And I decided to file an to the presidential administration asking them to cancel levying,” Kanapatskaya told Belsat TV.
In her opinion, the authorities have admitted going too far.
“In my appeal I stressed the decree should not be improved, but unconditionally repealed at all. The appeal is open; I am calling on my fellow deputies to show our stand on the question to state bodies and governmental agencies,” Kanapatskaya explained.
The MP also reveals what other deputies feel about the notorious decree:
“Today my colleagues have been silent about it. In general, there are MPs in the House of Representatives who support me and make comments on this subject for mass media. But there are also deputies who disagree with me and openly express their dissatisfaction.”
In September 2016, two opposition candidates – Alena Anisim (Belarusian Language Society) and Hanna Kanapatskaya (United Civic Party of Belarus ) – got into the lower chamber of Belarus’ National Assembly. Hanna Kanapatskaya is a lawyer and the director of a law firm.
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Belsat.eu
