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Opposition politician: power market deal advances Belarus’ drift toward Russia
December 12, Pozirk. The common electricity market deal with Russia, approved by Alaksandar Lukašenka three days ago, represents another step towards the absorption of Belarus by Russia, opposition politician Pavieł Latuška said in a comment on YouTube.
The politician did not rule out that this is “one of the worst decisions that Lukašenka could have signed in recent years, perhaps decades.”
“Energy is essentially the last strategic sector still in the hands of the Belarusian state,” Łatuška said, outlining the possible consequences. “Belarus is losing independent control over electricity pricing,” he noted. “Tariffs, power distribution, quotas, sales volumes and trading rules — everything will now be set at the level of the Union State. This means Moscow is effectively gaining leverage over our market.”
Belarus will no longer be able to adjust tariffs for enterprises flexibly, leaving its industrial sector increasingly dependent on decisions made in Russia, he added.
The politician warned that any conflict with the Kremlin could trigger an “energy strike,” noting that Russia had previously demonstrated its ability to shut down energy systems in Ukraine and Moldova. Establishment of a common market has political implications as it provides Moscow with the technical capacity to influence Belarus at any moment, he noted.
Minsk and Moscow concluded the deal last December to promote a common energy space, improve coordination and cooperation in electric power. According to Belarusian Energy Minister Dzianis Maroz, the common electricity market is “at the final stage.”
Łukašenka approves common electricity market deal with Russia
December 9, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka has approved the agreement between Belarus and Russia to establish the unified electricity market for the Union State of Belarus and Russia. Minsk and Moscow concluded the deal last December to promote a common energy …
