What residents of the Vitebsk region think about the planned changes to the Basic Law of Belarus

The events of the past two months in the country have intensified the processes of constitutional reform. What do the residents of the region think about the Basic Law and its amendments?

Olga Krivova, Dubrovno:

– The Constitution is, first and foremost, a guarantor of order, our rights and freedoms. It is a law that gives confidence in the future. I am calm because I know that I am under the protection of the state. Today, it is important to understand that the Constitution also means all of us, the citizens of the country. Our actions, aspirations, and labor. The social purpose of this document is undeniable and multifaceted, as it creates a legal basis for the further existence and development of both the state and the entire society. The Basic Law is a path to a civilized world where every person clearly knows their rights. It consolidates the socio-political structure, the place of the individual within it, reflects a certain worldview, and makes a particular ideological choice. With the help of the Constitution, widely held cultural values in society – national, religious, ethical, etc. – are translated into the language of law. The Constitution is a kind of "legal Bible." However, it leads people not to faith in God, like religious texts, but to faith in earthly order. I believe that amendments to the Constitution are necessary; it should not be frozen. After all, the world is changing, and legislative acts must correspond to these changes. Amendments, in my opinion, should be logical and correspond to the situation developing in society. For example, I fully support increasing the voting age to 23-25 years, when a person truly has their own formed opinion. I would like to see more attention paid to rural settlements and youth at the legislative level. Of course, it cannot be argued that the Basic Law equally takes into account all social interests, and yet it is a kind of "legal resultant" that reflects a balance of interests and can serve the progressive development of society.

Yulia Feoktistova, Vitebsk:

– I believe that to stimulate the activity of political parties, a mixed electoral system should be enshrined in the Constitution. This will allow citizens to express their interests through the activities of political parties with socially significant programs and strong leaders.

It would also be desirable to define the status and working regulations of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly in the new Constitution, as it could become an advisory and consultative body under the President of the Republic of Belarus.

Andrei Palchekh, Sharkovshchyna District:

– The Constitution of the Republic of Belarus is the fundamental law of our country. Therefore, in my opinion, any proposed amendments should first be carefully studied and weighed. And the main question is: is it necessary to change anything? We have lived for so many years, and everyone was satisfied with everything? What has changed now? Where did the dislike for each other, resentment, and even anger come from among people?

Honestly, emotions are boiling in big cities, while in the countryside, people continue to work as they always have. And they don't argue about amendments to the Constitution. I wish that any changes would benefit all of us and that more attention would be paid to the rural workers. The work of a milking machine operator, livestock breeder, and machine operator is complex, meticulous, and responsible. Therefore, I would like the fundamental law of the country to enshrine a respectful attitude towards those who grow bread day after day, ensuring that every Belarusian family has an abundance of tasty, healthy, natural products on their table.

My father managed a farm for many years, and I also headed an agricultural enterprise for seven years, so I know how difficult it is to find a solution that would be optimal for everyone. The Constitution is the foundation, the core of our society. Therefore, it is important to remember that any changes will, in one way or another, affect each of us, our parents, and our children. This imposes an even greater burden of responsibility on the decisions made.

As a father of two children, I hope that the proposed amendments will be in harmony with the established spiritual, moral, and family values of society. I want my children to grow up kind, intelligent, honest, to respect their elders, and to help those who need care and attention. These human qualities are inherent in every Belarusian. This is an integral part of the Belarusian mentality. The main thing is to remember this and be a patriot of your country.