Łukašenka voices opposition to KGB expansion

August 7, Pozirk. Belarus’ top security officials met in Minsk today to discuss proposals for reforming the Committee for State Security (KGB), according to a statement from the Belarusian leader’s press office.
The statement did not detail the proposals, which were initially put forward “some time ago” by KGB chief Ivan Tertel and later revised by Alaksandar Valfovič, the state secretary of the Security Council.
Alaksandar Łukašenka emphasized that while he had no intention of reducing funding for the KGB or lowering its agents’ salaries, he firmly opposed any increase in its staffing levels.
“You see what is going on,” the press office quoted him as saying. “We are witnessing a shift of labor from civilian professions to military roles. That’s why we need workers in the production sector first and foremost. We have no right to pull people away from there. This applies to everyone, including the Committee for State Security, in terms of staffing.”
In addition to Łukašenka, the meeting was attended by Tertel, Valfovič, Prosecutor General Andrej Švied, former KGB deputy chief Ihar Sierhiejenka, and former KGB chief Valeryj Vakulčyk.
Łukašenka has ruled Belarus since 1994. The KGB remains the primary agency enabling him to maintain power and suppress dissent.

Cichanoŭskaja admits to accepting €15,000 from official, says it was under duress
- PoliticsŁukašenka instructs central bank's head to report on economyThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsRights groups declare Polish monk, 14 others as political prisonersThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyŁukašenka slams government over poor economic performanceThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- Security, SocietyAeroflot slashes half of Moscow-Minsk flights today over drone attackThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyLow output undermines CAPEX effectiveness – think tankThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyHousing construction drops below 2021 levels in January-AugustThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityTerritorial troops begin three-day anti-sabotage training in Minsk regionThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SecurityLatvia blocks over 10,000 crossings from BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, Politics, Security
- Economy, Politics, SecurityMinsk steps up rhetorical attacks on Poland over border closureThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, Politics
- PoliticsSome participants in 2020 peaceful protests face more serious charges after statute of limitationsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SocietyBySol pays €31,000 to prisoners freed on September 11The material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBiełstat: Belarusian companies’ CapEx up 54.4 percent in January-AugustThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityUkraine confirms Russian troops left Belarus after Zapad-2025 drillThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- SocietyRecord temperature high marks end of astronomical summer in BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, Politics
- Politics, SecurityMinsk says two Belarusians wounded in Crimea drone attackThe material is available only to POZIRK+