Belarusian officials confessed it is pointless to teach them democracy

• 12.06.2009, 13:58

The deputy chairman of the “council of republic” of the “national assembly” Anatol Rubinau believes that efforts of Western politicians are vain.

“It is pointless to teach us democracy. It is the same as to gather people from the north and read them lectures how to live and to dress there… they would listen to you for a while, and then go back and do the way they were used to do,” Anatoly Rubinau said.

This statement was made by the deputy chairman of the “council of republic” during a round table discussion “Belarus: progress of local democracy and prospects of cooperation”, “Telegraf” informs.

“If we would look at the western countries who want to set an example for us, historically small entrepreneurship was very well developed there. They have where to take money from. And naturally the population elects their authorities there. And people’s representatives appoint their executive power. And they allocate the money. And in our country it happens that the local budget is insufficient. And to what could you be devoted, when there is no money?” Rubinau is quoted by Radio Svaboda as saying.

“And who is hindering development of entrepreneurship? Large tax reliefs have been introduced. But nobody wants. We have a strong consumerist attitude to live. Everybody thinks: let the government come and give us everything…” – the deputy is convinced.

However, Anatoly Rubinau noted that “there is no other way of development for Belarus except going to the European community”. “The process is inevitable. The live is pushing us. The intentions are sincere. We are doing everything the way we can,” he added.