President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko held a working meeting with the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly, Natalya Kochanova. The focus was on the preparations for the upcoming presidential elections, the economic situation, and measures to counter the spread of viral infections, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"There are a number of issues we need to discuss with you. We will not hide the fact that these include political issues – it is the year of presidential elections. The biggest problem is the economy. Nevertheless, this issue will not go away," said the head of state. "We need not only to discuss but also to plan the presidential elections. We currently have no grounds to postpone the presidential elections, as some here (whether they are enemies or rivals) are suggesting. Political issues will not go away. They need to be discussed."
Regarding the economic situation, Alexander Lukashenko stated that Belarus is striving to ensure that enterprises operate and people receive wages. "I have Trump's formula here. I really liked it when he said so frankly that if we don't start working immediately (he was addressing the Americans, who print this dollar, the world's leading economy), more people will die from unemployment and hunger than from coronavirus. He said it very correctly. What do we have to say? We need to work and save ourselves from this crisis as best we can," the Belarusian leader declared.
At the same time, the President emphasised that the issue of viral diseases should not be overlooked. "Moreover, we are currently (these are my feelings, based on digital analysis of morbidity) at the peak. I am already praying to God that this peak subsides before Easter," he said.
The head of state added that against the backdrop of the fight against the spread of coronavirus, it is important not to forget that there are many other categories of patients who are no less in need of medical care.