Political scientist Bolkunets: with the help of the new constitution Lukashenka wants to sit on two chairs
Photo: Sergey Grits / AP
With the help of the new constitution, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko wants to sit on several chairs, remaining president and heading the All-Belarusian Assembly, political analyst Dmitry Bolkunets said. In a conversation with “Lenta.ru” he said that the new version of the document does not meet the needs of society.
“Written for one person”
“First of all, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the amendments to the constitution were made by a narrow group of people appointed by Lukashenka himself. This suggests that no broad discussion took place. That is, it was written only for one person and his environment. The most important thing, perhaps, is the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, ”the political scientist is sure.
This is Lukashenka's personal initiative – to make a body that will be the highest. Above are parliament, government and president. However, the powers of the body are not spelled out there; in general, everything looks very abstract.
Dmitry Bolkunetspolitical scientist
Bolkunets drew attention to the fact that the draft also indicated such a category of representatives of the assembly as “representatives of civil society”. The vague wording, he said, indicated that the document presented was rather crude. But the main thing that this new clause of the constitution will allow is the opportunity for Lukashenka to hold the post of chairman of the assembly for life.
“There is an article there that before the formation of the assembly in order to organize its proper work, the incumbent president may be elected chairman. And there is one more addition to the constitution: it is assumed that the president who has left his post has the right and the opportunity to become a life member of the republic's council, ”Bolkunets stressed.
Lukashenka wants to sit on several chairs at once, this is fantastic. In this case, his powers will simply not be limited.
Dmitry Bolkunetspolitical scientist
The changes will also affect the participation of citizens in the presidential elections. According to the new constitution, only those who have lived in Belarus for more than 20 years will have the right to be elected and be elected. An age limit has also appeared – a potential candidate must be at least 40 years old.
“This indicates that Lukashenka is afraid of young guys. Those who are in exile. (…) This is an anti-people constitution that does not reflect the public's demand for change. She only cans it, ”said Bolkunets.
He concluded that the draft constitution was written by Lukashenka himself for him and is intended to strengthen only his position.
The draft amendments and additions to the Constitution of Belarus were made public for public discussion on December 27. It is noted that the date of the referendum will be announced immediately after discussion. The National Center for Legal Information coordinates the collection and generalization of citizens' responses on the draft amendments and additions to the constitution.
