Vladimir Terentyev: 'The new party will be open to everyone who cares about the fate of sovereign Belarus'
Representatives from the Vitebsk region also participated in the event. After returning from Minsk, the head of the regional organization "Belaya Rus," Chairman of the 28th convocation Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, commented on the decisions made by the organizing committee specifically for "Vitebskiye Vesti."
— Vladimir Vladimirovich, discussions about transforming "Belaya Rus" into a party have been ongoing for quite some time. What arguments became decisive in putting an end to this issue?
— Indeed, the discussion on this matter has been going on for several years, and public opinion has been studied. The events of 2020 likely served as a significant impetus for making the final decision. At that time, essentially unorganized opposition took to the streets, and among those who defended the constitutional system were mainly representatives of public organizations. That is, those whose primary tasks are related, first and foremost, to the implementation of social projects and initiatives. In the new political situation, we acutely felt the need to create a party that would support the presidential strategic course of the country's development, which would express and defend the interests of the Belarusian people, including in the realization of constitutional rights contained in the updated version of the country's Basic Law.
The organizing committee for the creation of the new party includes not only representatives of "Belaya Rus" but also a wide spectrum of civil society structures – the Officers' Union, the veterans' organization, the RGOO "Belarusian Society 'Knowledge'," and others. We already see interest in party building from activists of youth and women's organizations. Membership in the new party will also be open to citizens who are not yet involved in public life.
I would like to emphasize: this is not about transforming one organization into another, but about creating a new political entity. In turn, "Belaya Rus" will continue its work as a public association.
— The first step has been taken. What's next?
— Preparatory work is now beginning in the regions, and meetings of initiative groups are being prepared. It has been decided to hold the constituent congress on March 18.
According to the legislation, a political party is built exclusively on a territorial principle and must have Minsk city and regional organizational structures in all regions of Belarus, as well as district and (or) city organizational structures in at least one-third of the districts and cities of regional subordination in each of the regions. To create and operate a party, at least 5,000 founders are required.
So, the most important step has been taken – an initiative group has been created. The matter is now about resolving organizational issues. A discussion is currently underway regarding the party's name, and the options will be submitted for public discussion. It is likely that by the constituent congress, there will be clarity in this aspect as well.
— What is the mood regarding this in the regional organization of "Belaya Rus"?
— Of course, not all of our activists will become party members; many are more drawn to public activities on a social level. It should be noted that over its more than 15-year history, the organization has proven itself to be a reliable partner of the state in implementing social projects. In my assessment, approximately a quarter of the current members of the regional organization are ready to engage in political work. In addition, representatives of other public organizations from the Vitebsk region have expressed a desire to join the new party.