The draft of the updated Constitution has been submitted for nationwide discussion.

The draft of the updated Constitution has been submitted for nationwide discussion.

The work on the document was long and meticulous, because, in essence, we are not just amending and supplementing the Basic Law of our lives, but defining the future. Both for ourselves and for future generations. The new Constitution acts as a legitimate and safe instrument for renewing the country's social system. As a general agreement, where everyone's opinion will be taken into account. As a result, fundamental additions and amendments have been made to 77 articles, and 11 new ones have been added. Another paragraph has appeared, defining the status, powers, and competencies of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly – the supreme representative body of people's power. Today, every Belarusian can participate in the further improvement of the draft – a special online platform has

.— Vladimir Vladimirovich, how timely, in your opinion, is the amendment of the Basic Law, by which we have lived for almost 30 years?
— You yourself emphasized: 30 years. During this time, the world has changed, society has changed, we ourselves have changed. And I am not only talking about politics or economics, but also about the mentality, psychology, and lifestyle of people. What was previously ingrained almost at a genetic level, today, alas, will have to be enshrined in legislation. I am referring to patriotism, national identity, cultural heritage, and family values. That is, the changes to the Basic Law are dictated by the times. And as we all know, this was not a decision made in a day. Or even in a year. For at least three years now, future changes have been discussed, formulated, and refined at various levels.

— You have familiarized yourself with the draft. Can you now outline the main direction of the changes in one sentence?

— Yes. Our country, as the people wished, remains a presidential republic. A stabilizer has appeared in the relations between all branches of power in the form of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. This stabilizer will be formed on democratic principles, and therefore will expand the opportunities for citizens' participation in resolving state issues. But the decisions of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly will

mandatory for all bodies and citizens. I will note right away: during communication with deputies of local Councils, at meetings in work collectives and at the places of residence of voters, I often heard certain concerns. People were and are afraid of losing the social guarantees they have today. Judging by the draft of the updated Constitution, the anxieties are unfounded. The socially oriented focus of the document is obvious, relying on a strong state, on the strong traditions that exist in our country.

Comprehensive support, especially for those categories of people who are in particular need of it, is guaranteed and enshrined in legislation. The new Constitution meets the demands of the time, fully ensures the further development of the country, peace and harmony among people.

— Will the deputies of the Vitebsk region participate in the discussion?

— Undoubtedly. And not only deputies – they will involve the broad masses of the population in this process. By the way, we have a very active and energetic corps of deputies. If earlier rural executive committees were mostly headed by people of pre-retirement age, then today these positions are held by former heads of agricultural enterprises, heads of district internal affairs departments and district emergency response departments, school principals. Young, energetic people with experience in management and activities. For example, in the Horadok District, the Dolhopolsky Village Council was headed by the 30-year-old director of the Children and Youth Sports School, Viktor Bobkov. For the first six months, he travelled around his subordinate villages by bicycle until a service car was acquired. He has already received very tempting career offers more than once. He refused – he enjoys working in the countryside, with people. So, our activists are ready to move mountains and count on expanded powers. Their role as intermediaries or "foremen" between the population and the housing and communal services is an outdated concept. Today, at the local level, without waiting for intervention from higher authorities, almost all issues can and should be resolved. In the draft Constitution, we find positive changes: the term of office for deputies has been increased, a single voting day has been established for elections, and the positions of local authorities are strengthened. Everything is clear, well-founded, and logical. Of course, based on the Constitution, other legislative acts will also be improved. This means that the role of the deputy corps becomes more significant. We are ready for this.

Patriotism and historical memory are everyone's duty

— What changes in social policy would you identify as strategically important?

— Firstly, everything that directly or indirectly concerns the younger generation and the preservation of historical truth. We are established people. We grew up on veterans' stories, military books, and films. But we somehow failed our children, let alone grandchildren. And the destroyers took advantage of this. The events of recent years have shown the gaps quite eloquently. The draft of the updated Constitution not only emphasizes the special peace-loving role of our state but also erects a barrier against all sorts of provocations in this regard. Article 15 states: "The state ensures the preservation of historical truth and memory of the heroic feat of the Belarusian people during the Great Patriotic War." And Article 54 specifically defines: the display of patriotism, the preservation of historical memory of the heroic past of the Belarusian people are the duty of every citizen of the Republic of Belarus. A very clear wording, which all sensible people would vote for with both hands.

Secondly, I was very impressed by Article 45. Yes, the state, as before, guarantees the right to health protection, including free treatment, and determines the accessibility of medical care... But a new paragraph has appeared here: "Citizens are obliged to take measures to preserve and strengthen their own health." Do you know how much money is spent annually in our country on building new hospitals and polyclinics, treating patients, and providing free medication to citizens who are entitled to it? Colossal sums, a lion's share of the budget! Simultaneously, new sports complexes, ski-roller tracks, and other physical culture and sports facilities are being built. Exercise, strengthen your health, take care of yourselves! Do we take care? Yes, we have learned well over these years to criticize doctors and their treatment methods, we are outraged by queues in polyclinics, we discuss shortcomings. But what do we do for ourselves? A very necessary and timely emphasis: it is time, in terms of health, to move from the passive consumption of benefits to responsibilities. The state grants the right, but you also have an obligation.

— Vladimir Vladimirovich, what would you wish now to those who have just begun to familiarize themselves with the draft Constitution?

— To study the document carefully. To highlight the most important points for themselves – everyone may have their own depending on their profession, social status, and peculiarities of perceiving the external world. And, of course, to take an active part in the discussion. Perhaps your opinion will be the decisive one.

for making some amendments, additions and clarifications during the final refinement of the bill, which we will soon vote on at a referendum. And be sure to pay attention to Article 21. It states that everyone must show social responsibility, make a feasible contribution to the development of society and the state. We will start with this.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by