Łukašenka takes Viciebsk officials to task over region’s poor performance

October 24, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka held today a major conference in Viciebsk—attended by about 300 local officials—to discuss strategies for revitalizing the region’s struggling economy.

“I will do my best to make you work. No excuses will be accepted,” he said.

Łukašenka devoted much of his address to the region’s recent setbacks, noting that:

• Viciebskdreŭ, the region’s last woodworking company, suspended operations in February amid heavy debts.
• Over the past four years, local enterprises have received government aid 1,285 times.
• Cattle production has fallen by six percent, while cattle mortality rose by 40 percent in the first nine months of 2025.
• Up to 70 percent of agricultural equipment has been in use for more than ten years.
• Creameries are operating at 60 percent of their capacity, and meat-packing plants at 49 percent.
• The region’s debt has surged to 1.6 billion rubels, with nearly 950 million due for repayment within the next five years.
• Several promised projects remain unimplemented, including the Vusci red-cow farm, a vaccine manufacturing plant and a meat-packing plant in Orša.

Łukašenka said these trends show that local officials are “simply irresponsible people.”

Economy

Economy

Łukašenka irritated by Belarusian Railway’s request for assistance

October 23, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka convened a meeting with government officials today to discuss a request for financial support from Belarusian Railway (BR). Quotes from his press office suggest that he was irritated by the company’s appeal. BR attributed its …

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