Vitebsk residents expressed their opinions on what changes should be made to the Constitution

Work on the draft Constitution is nearing completion in the country. Belarusians are actively discussing the innovations proposed for the Basic Law. We asked the residents of Vitebsk how, in their opinion, the document should be amended.

Vitaly Aleshkevich, Director of the local charitable foundation "Edinstvo", Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Vitebsk Regional Branch of the Public Association "Belarusian Judo Federation":

Changes to the Constitution are necessary because it is always important to develop and move forward. However, it is crucial to preserve what we have now, meaning to add new elements without destroying the good that has already been created. I believe it is right that the expansion of the powers of the government and the parliament of the republic, and the consolidation of the role of the All-Belarusian People's Congress are being discussed. At the same time, the independence of our state, its stability, the improvement of social guarantees, and the expansion of opportunities for the development and stable life of citizens should remain priorities.

Based on personal responsibility for the present and future of our country, and recognizing myself as its full subject, I am confident that Belarus will continue its course of development based on national interests. In doing so, the republic acknowledges the special significance of maintaining stability and security in the world and is ready to cooperate with all states focused on constructive dialogue and fruitful cooperation to achieve this goal.

I would like the amendments to the Basic Law of the state to help achieve peace in our society and contribute to the formation of a balanced international agenda.

Deputy Director for Educational Work of Gymnasium No. 8 in Vitebsk Alla Sobolevа:

– I believe that the changes to the Constitution are dictated by the times. I fully agree that the status of the family as a union of a man and a woman needs to be enshrined. I believe that current European trends of same-sex marriages are unacceptable for the Belarusian people. It is necessary to emphasize patriotic education in the law, as this is the main area of work for schools. If a person loves their Motherland, they will value it, protect its environmental resources, bear responsibility for it, and increase its prosperity. After all, one cannot create anything without love – for family, school, country. I also think that it is necessary at the state level to legalize the creation of a barrier-free environment for people with disabilities, so that they have more opportunities – to work, travel by transport, move around stairs, and lead an interesting lifestyle. Unfortunately, there are children with disabilities in schools now… I agree that the President must be a person no younger than 40 years old, a citizen of Belarus, and understand the mentality inherent in the people. I also think it would be correct, in connection with the current global situation, to remove the clause stating that Belarus is not a nuclear power.

Aliaksandra Baran, leading specialist:

– Today, everyone who wishes has the opportunity to submit their proposals for the renewal of the country's Basic Law. And we should not stand aside, because the Constitution will ensure the rapid resolution of many problems in politics, economics, and the social sphere. Of course, changes are necessary. Much will also depend on how correctly and accurately each citizen implements the provisions of the Constitution, and on how we organize our lives in accordance with its provisions.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by