Alexander Lukashenko proposed state support for the Belarusian Railway at a government meeting today. As usual, he questioned the need for such measures, even while listing a number of the company’s problems.
“Undoubtedly, the railway is one of the most important enterprises, not only for the transport sector but for the entire country. Tens of millions of tons of cargo are transported by rail every year. This includes raw materials, imports, and exports of our products. For people, it is the safest mode of travel. And although passenger transport is more of a social than a commercial activity, both areas must be developed,” he said.
Lukashenko noted that the company’s revenue had declined due to sanctions. He mentioned that several trains had been seized in Ukraine. However, according to his information, the railway still operates profitably, though its financial position is difficult.
“As I’ve been informed, the company’s financial situation is now burdened by high expenses related to servicing loans taken out for infrastructure projects and the purchase of new rolling stock,” he said.
According to him, a draft decree on state support for the Belarusian Railway has been prepared.
“At first glance, perhaps it’s necessary to help. But let’s figure out to what extent we will provide this assistance—if we do at all. And once again, I’m publicly warning you: stop coming here for money. Stop. You have workforces, you have expertise. In this case, you have trains, cars, planes, helicopters, and so on. Fly and move around!
So let’s see whether the problems are really caused by external factors (which, as I warned you many years ago, no longer exist and cannot exist today) or by negligence and poor performance on the part of the railway’s management. Are these the poorest people in our country? Poorer than those in agriculture or in the Vitebsk region? Everyone says: ‘No.’ Then why have you come to me?” he asked.
Lukashenko also recalled recent corruption cases involving the railway’s leadership.
“When I say the railway needs support, I recall recent reports from law enforcement agencies. We’ve sent quite a few officials to ‘sit down.’ And now they’ve come asking for money from the budget or some kind of help—deferrals or installments. And another thing: have you tightened your belts enough? If not, then tighten them. If you start ‘dying,’ then come back, and we’ll think about what to do with you,” he added.
In August this year, former first deputy head of the Belarusian Railway Pyotr Dulub was sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was convicted of taking bribes while arranging the transit of coal from Kazakhstan to Poland through Belarus. According to investigators, the total amount of bribes from four freight forwarding companies exceeded $600,000. Authorities confiscated more than $2.8 million and about €300,000 from Dulub.
In conclusion, Lukashenko asked for a report on whether everything had been properly calculated, whether the proposed measures would ensure financial stability, and whether the company would return “with an outstretched hand” later.
In addition to the decree on railway support, the meeting also discussed a draft presidential decree on youth support, which would introduce new measures for young professionals. Other topics included improving catering in educational institutions and the work of graduate programs.