Development of Vitebsk Region Discussed by Natalia Kochanova with Regional Activists

The Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, Natalya Kochanova, held a meeting with the Vitebsk region's active members in Polotsk in a dialogue platform format.

The Chairperson of the Council of the Republic met with the parliamentary corps of the northern region, heads of the regional executive committee and district executive committees. Before the meeting, Natalya Kochanova emphasized that she was ready to answer all pressing and topical questions that had arisen locally: "I want you to be prepared for an open and trusting conversation."

Natalya Kochanova noted that the year was drawing to a close, the country was summing up the results of the work done this year, and plans for the next year were already being made. "In the first reading, the House of Representatives considered the draft law on the budget for 2023. The budget maintains its social focus. The tasks set by the VI All-Belarusian People's Congress and the President of Belarus regarding the priority areas of our country's development remain unchanged. And no matter how difficult the situations are in the world – this is the sanctions pressure on our country, and the developing situation around our country – not a single social program, not a single identified area has been closed. All programs are in effect and will continue to operate. Moreover, the budget provides for increased spending on healthcare and education – which are our priorities today," the speaker said.

Natalya Kochanova noted that the meeting brought together people who are responsible for what is happening today in the region, in each individual region and city. "You bear a serious responsibility – the fulfillment of the tasks set by the country's leadership for local authorities, the parliamentary corps, and defined as the main directions of development. This is the sacred duty of every leader on the ground," emphasized the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic.

The Speaker recalled that the formation of the budget and the subsequent implementation of state programs depend on the fulfillment of the forecast indicators of socio-economic development. "Summing up the results of this year, we see who worked and how, which regions are better, where there are problems and why. But for the economy to work successfully, the President and the VI All-Belarusian People's Congress have determined the fundamental direction – this is the uniform development of regions. And how they develop, it is clear how our country will live on. It is here that everything is formed – the country's economy, human potential, ideology, and our nation as Belarusians," said Natalya Kochanova, who visits different regions of the country and sees how people live.

The Chairperson of the Council of the Republic noted that all conditions have been created for a decent life in every city and district, there is a vertical of power and structures that work for the benefit of the people: "The task has been set – the development of the economy in terms of opening enterprises and productions in a particular district or city. We understand that if there is work and all conditions are created in district centers, then people will stay and live there."

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by