Analysts say dominant public sector responsible for paternalistic moods among Belarusians

July 24, BPN. A significantly higher proportion of income received by Belarusians from the public sector is to blame for paternalistic moods, says a recent analysis by the Košt Urada (Cost of Government) think tank.

The low level of business income indicates “the suppressed state of private initiative” despite its high growth potential, it noted.

The high share of public sector wages and benefits in the economy explain the strong dependence of the population on the government, both direct and indirect, the analysts said.

In all, these factors fuel “paternalistic sentiment” in Belarusian society while authorities benefit from being in charge of the distribution of money flows in the economy, the analysis noted. The government is wary of private businesses and sees them as rivals in competition for resources rather than partners, it stressed.