Vladimir Terentyev: The Constitution is not only about rights, but also about obligations
The draft of the updated Constitution has been submitted for nationwide discussion. The work on the document was long and meticulous, because, in essence, we are not just amending and supplementing the Basic Law of our lives, but defining the future. Both for ourselves and for posterity. The new Constitution acts as a legitimate and safe tool for renewing the country's social system. As a general agreement that will take everyone's opinion into account. As a result, fundamental additions and changes have been made to 77 articles, and 11 new ones have been added. Another paragraph has appeared defining the status, powers, and competencies of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly – the supreme representative body of people's power. Today, every Belarusian can participate in the further improvement of the draft – a special online platform for proposals and comments has been opened. What do people expect from the updated Constitution and how actively do they intend to participate in the discussion? The correspondent of "R" asked the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, to answer these and other questions.
— You yourself emphasized: 30 years. During this time, the world has changed, society has changed, we ourselves have changed. And I am not only talking about politics or economics, but also about the mentality, psychology, and lifestyle of people. What was previously embedded almost at the genetic level, today, alas, will have to be enshrined in legislation. I am talking about patriotism, national identity, cultural heritage, and family values. That is, the changes in the Basic Law are caused by the times. And as we all know, this decision was not made in a day. And not even in a year. For at least three years, future changes have been discussed, formulated, and worked out at various levels.
— You have familiarized yourself with the draft. Can you now outline the main direction of the changes in one sentence?
— Yes. Our stran, as the people wished, remains a presidential republic. A stabilizer has emerged in relations between all branches of power in the form of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. This stabilizer will be formed on democratic principles, and therefore will expand the opportunities for citizens' participation in resolving state issues. But the decisions of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly will be binding on all bodies and citizens. I will note right away: during communication with deputies of local Councils, at meetings in labor collectives and at the places of residence of voters, I often heard some concerns. People were and are afraid of losing the social guarantees they have today. Judging by the draft of the updated Constitution, the concerns are unfounded. The socially oriented focus of the document is evident, relying on a strong state, on strong traditions that exist in our country.
Comprehensive support, especially for those categories of people who are in particular need, is guaranteed and enshrined in law. The new Constitution meets the requirements of the time, fully ensures the further development of the country, peace and harmony among people.
— Will the deputies of the Vitebsk region participate in the discussion?
— Undoubtedly. And not only deputies – they will involve the broad masses of the population in this process. By the way, we have a very active and energetic corps of deputies. If earlier rural executive committees were mostly headed by people of pre-retirement age, then today these positions are held by former heads of agricultural enterprises, heads of district police departments and emergency departments, and school principals. Young, energetic people with experience in economic activity. For example, in the Gorodok district, the Dolgopolsky rural council is headed by 30-year-old director of the youth sports school Viktor Bobkov. For the first six months, he traveled around his subordinate villages by bicycle until they acquired a service car. He has already received very tempting offers regarding his career more than once. He refused – he likes working in the countryside, with people. So our activists are ready to move mountains and count on expanded powers. Their role as intermediaries or "foremen" between the population and the same housing and communal services is an outdated concept. Today, at the local level, without waiting for intervention from higher authorities, it is possibleand it is necessary to solve practically all issues. In the draft Constitution, we find positive changes: the term of parliamentary powers has been increased, a single voting day has been established for elections, and the positions of local authorities are being strengthened. Everything is clear, well-founded, and logical. Of course, based on the Constitution, other legislative acts will also be improved. This means that the role of the parliamentary corps is becoming more significant. We are ready for this.
— Firstly, everything that directly or indirectly concerns the younger generation and the preservation of historical truth. We are established people. We grew up on the stories of veterans, military books, and films. But we somehow missed our children, let alone grandchildren. And the destroyers took advantage of this. The events of recent years have shown the gaps quite eloquently. The draft of the updated Constitution not only emphasizes the special peace-loving role of our state but also puts a barrier to all sorts of provocations in this regard. Article 15 states: "The state ensures the preservation of historical truth and memory of the heroic feat of the Belarusian people during the Great Patriotic War." And Article 54 specifically defines: the manifestation of patriotism, the preservation of historical memory of the heroic past of the Belarusian people are the duty of every citizen of the Republic of Belarus. A very clear wording, which all reasonable people will vote for with both hands.
Secondly, I was very impressed by Article 45. Yes, the state, as before, guarantees the right to health protection, including free treatment, and determines the accessibility of medical care... But a new paragraph has appeared here: "Citizens are obliged to take measures to preserve and strengthen their own health." Do you know how much money is spent annually in our country on the construction of new hospitals and polyclinics, treatment of patients, free provision of medicines to citizens who are entitled to it? Colossal sums, a lion's share of the budget! At the same time, new sports complexes, ski and biathlon tracks, and otherphysical culture and sports facilities. Exercise, improve your health, take care of yourself! Do we take care? Yes, we have learned well over these years to criticize doctors and their treatment methods, we are outraged by queues in clinics, we discuss shortcomings. But what do we do for ourselves? A very useful and timely emphasis: it is time, in terms of health, to move from the banal consumption of benefits to responsibilities. The state grants rights, but you also have obligations.
— Vladimir Vladimirovich, what would you wish now to those who have just begun to familiarize themselves with the draft Constitution?
— To study the document carefully. Highlight the most important points for yourself – everyone may have their own due to their profession, social status, and peculiarities of perceiving the external world. And, of course, to take an active part in the discussion. Perhaps your opinion will be decisive for making some amendments, additions, and clarifications during the final refinement of the bill, which we will soon vote on in a referendum. And be sure to pay attention to Article 21. It states that everyone must show social responsibility and make a feasible contribution to the development of society and the state. Let's start with this.
Social focus with reliance on a strong state
.— Vladimir Vladimirovich, how timely, in your opinion, is the amendment of the Basic Law, which we have lived by for almost 30 years?— You yourself emphasized: 30 years. During this time, the world has changed, society has changed, we ourselves have changed. And I am not only talking about politics or economics, but also about the mentality, psychology, and lifestyle of people. What was previously embedded almost at the genetic level, today, alas, will have to be enshrined in legislation. I am talking about patriotism, national identity, cultural heritage, and family values. That is, the changes in the Basic Law are caused by the times. And as we all know, this decision was not made in a day. And not even in a year. For at least three years, future changes have been discussed, formulated, and worked out at various levels.
— You have familiarized yourself with the draft. Can you now outline the main direction of the changes in one sentence?
— Yes. Our stran, as the people wished, remains a presidential republic. A stabilizer has emerged in relations between all branches of power in the form of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. This stabilizer will be formed on democratic principles, and therefore will expand the opportunities for citizens' participation in resolving state issues. But the decisions of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly will be binding on all bodies and citizens. I will note right away: during communication with deputies of local Councils, at meetings in labor collectives and at the places of residence of voters, I often heard some concerns. People were and are afraid of losing the social guarantees they have today. Judging by the draft of the updated Constitution, the concerns are unfounded. The socially oriented focus of the document is evident, relying on a strong state, on strong traditions that exist in our country.
Comprehensive support, especially for those categories of people who are in particular need, is guaranteed and enshrined in law. The new Constitution meets the requirements of the time, fully ensures the further development of the country, peace and harmony among people.
— Will the deputies of the Vitebsk region participate in the discussion?
— Undoubtedly. And not only deputies – they will involve the broad masses of the population in this process. By the way, we have a very active and energetic corps of deputies. If earlier rural executive committees were mostly headed by people of pre-retirement age, then today these positions are held by former heads of agricultural enterprises, heads of district police departments and emergency departments, and school principals. Young, energetic people with experience in economic activity. For example, in the Gorodok district, the Dolgopolsky rural council is headed by 30-year-old director of the youth sports school Viktor Bobkov. For the first six months, he traveled around his subordinate villages by bicycle until they acquired a service car. He has already received very tempting offers regarding his career more than once. He refused – he likes working in the countryside, with people. So our activists are ready to move mountains and count on expanded powers. Their role as intermediaries or "foremen" between the population and the same housing and communal services is an outdated concept. Today, at the local level, without waiting for intervention from higher authorities, it is possibleand it is necessary to solve practically all issues. In the draft Constitution, we find positive changes: the term of parliamentary powers has been increased, a single voting day has been established for elections, and the positions of local authorities are being strengthened. Everything is clear, well-founded, and logical. Of course, based on the Constitution, other legislative acts will also be improved. This means that the role of the parliamentary corps is becoming more significant. We are ready for this.
Patriotism and historical memory are the duty of everyone
— What changes in social policy would you identify as strategically important?— Firstly, everything that directly or indirectly concerns the younger generation and the preservation of historical truth. We are established people. We grew up on the stories of veterans, military books, and films. But we somehow missed our children, let alone grandchildren. And the destroyers took advantage of this. The events of recent years have shown the gaps quite eloquently. The draft of the updated Constitution not only emphasizes the special peace-loving role of our state but also puts a barrier to all sorts of provocations in this regard. Article 15 states: "The state ensures the preservation of historical truth and memory of the heroic feat of the Belarusian people during the Great Patriotic War." And Article 54 specifically defines: the manifestation of patriotism, the preservation of historical memory of the heroic past of the Belarusian people are the duty of every citizen of the Republic of Belarus. A very clear wording, which all reasonable people will vote for with both hands.
Secondly, I was very impressed by Article 45. Yes, the state, as before, guarantees the right to health protection, including free treatment, and determines the accessibility of medical care... But a new paragraph has appeared here: "Citizens are obliged to take measures to preserve and strengthen their own health." Do you know how much money is spent annually in our country on the construction of new hospitals and polyclinics, treatment of patients, free provision of medicines to citizens who are entitled to it? Colossal sums, a lion's share of the budget! At the same time, new sports complexes, ski and biathlon tracks, and otherphysical culture and sports facilities. Exercise, improve your health, take care of yourself! Do we take care? Yes, we have learned well over these years to criticize doctors and their treatment methods, we are outraged by queues in clinics, we discuss shortcomings. But what do we do for ourselves? A very useful and timely emphasis: it is time, in terms of health, to move from the banal consumption of benefits to responsibilities. The state grants rights, but you also have obligations.
— Vladimir Vladimirovich, what would you wish now to those who have just begun to familiarize themselves with the draft Constitution?
— To study the document carefully. Highlight the most important points for yourself – everyone may have their own due to their profession, social status, and peculiarities of perceiving the external world. And, of course, to take an active part in the discussion. Perhaps your opinion will be decisive for making some amendments, additions, and clarifications during the final refinement of the bill, which we will soon vote on in a referendum. And be sure to pay attention to Article 21. It states that everyone must show social responsibility and make a feasible contribution to the development of society and the state. Let's start with this.