Vladimir Terentyev: "The new party will be open to everyone who cares about the fate of sovereign Belarus"

A new political party is soon to emerge on Belarus's political scene. This week, the first meeting of the organizing committee for the establishment of a political association, which will be based on members of the republican public association "Belaya Rus", took place in Minsk.

Representatives from the Vitebsk region also participated in the event. After returning from Minsk, the head of the regional organization "Belaya Rus", Chairman of the regional Council of Deputies of the 28th convocation, Vladimir Terentyev, commented on the decisions made by the organizing committee specifically for "Vitebskiye Vesti".

— Vladimir Vladimirovich, discussions about transforming "Belaya Rus" into a party have been ongoing for quite some time. What arguments became decisive in putting an end to this matter?

— Indeed, the discussion on this issue has been going on for several years, and public opinion has been studied. The events of 2020 likely served as a significant impetus for making the final decision. At that time, essentially, an unorganized opposition took to the streets, and among those who defended the constitutional system were mainly representatives of public organizations. That is, those whose primary tasks are related to the implementation of social projects and initiatives. In the new political situation, we acutely felt the need to create a party that would support the president's strategic course for the country's development, which would express and defend the interests of the Belarusian people, including in the realization of constitutional rights contained in the updated version of the country's Basic Law.

The organizing committee for the creation of the new party includes not only representatives of "Belaya Rus" but also a wide spectrum of civil society structures – the Officers' Union, the veterans' organization, the Republican Public Association "Belarusian Society "Znanie", and others. We are already seeing interest in party building from activists of youth and women's organizations. Membership in the new party will also be open to citizens who are not yet involved in public life.

I want to emphasize: this is not about transforming one organization into another, but about creating a new political entity. In turn, "Belaya Rus" will continue its work as a public association.

— The first step has been taken. What's next?

— Preparatory work is now beginning in the regions, and meetings of initiative groups are being prepared. It has been decided to hold the founding congress on March 18.

According to the legislation, a political party is structured exclusively on a territorial basis and must have Minsk city and regional organizational structures in all regions of Belarus, as well as district and (or) city organizational structures in at least one-third of the districts and cities of regional subordination in each of the regions. To create and operate a party, at least 5,000 founders are required.

So, the most important step has been taken – an initiative group has been formed. The task now is to resolve organizational issues. While discussions are ongoing regarding the party's name, the options will be put forward for public discussion. It is likely that by the constituent congress, clarity will be achieved in this aspect as well.

— What is the sentiment regarding this matter within the regional organisation of "Belaya Rus"?

— Certainly, not all of our activists will become party members; many are more drawn to public activities on a social level. It should be noted that over its more than 15-year history, the organisation has established itself as a reliable partner of the state in implementing social projects. In my assessment, approximately a quarter of the current members of the regional organisation are ready to engage in political work. Furthermore, representatives of other public organisations from the Vitebsk region have expressed a desire to join the new party.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by