President's Address at the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. Lukashenko's Key Statements

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko is delivering a Message to the Belarusian people and the National Assembly at the meeting of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, a BELTA correspondent reports.

The second meeting of the VII All-Belarusian People's Assembly (VNS) is taking place in Minsk on December 18-19. It began with the performance of the State Anthem of Belarus.

The main event of the first day is the presidential Message. The event is broadcast live on all major TV channels and radio stations, as well as on online resources, including the multimedia portal VIDEOBEL, YouTube, and the website of the President of Belarus.

On the second day of the VNS meeting, it is planned to consider the Program of Socio-Economic Development of Belarus for 2026-2030. This is the main document to be approved by the delegates. A number of personnel and organizational issues will also be considered.
 
Lukashenko: Belarus met its export target in the current five-year period, despite sanctions
 
"We agreed: no references to sanctions! There was no time to dwell on these issues, we had to fight for every export ruble. In 2020, we set a target to increase exports to $50 billion. As a result, we not only reached this figure but also continued to maintain trade relations with almost 190 countries of the world," the Belarusian leader emphasized.
 
Lukashenko: Belarus has shattered the myth created by the West about the country's closure and isolation
 
"We have shattered the myth created by the West about our country's closedness and isolation, which is confirmed by any global rankings. Belarus has entered the top 50 most visited countries by tourists (48th place)," said the head of state. He noted that in the current year alone, over 250,000 "enlightened" Europeans, who arrived visa-free, personally became convinced of Belarus's safety, comfort, and beauty. "And this is with more than half of the border crossing points closed," stated Alexander Lukashenko.
Lukashenko: Belarus has multiplied a strong real sector of the economy, without wasting Soviet heritage
"We have preserved and multiplied a strong real sector of the economy, without ruining or wasting anything from the Soviet heritage. In the global industrial competitiveness ranking, we hold the 56th position among one hundred and fifty countries," said the President.
Lukashenko: Belarus has a stable economy, foreign exchange reserves at a historical high
"Anticipating the skeptics' attacks about macroeconomic imbalances, I will say: we have a stable, normal economy. The debt burden is decreasing, foreign exchange reserves are at a historical maximum, and confidence in the national currency has deservedly grown," stated the head of state.
Lukashenko on dialogue with the USA: sometimes tough and persistent, but it's a negotiation of the strong with the strong
"There is nothing wrong with the fact that, while having brilliant strategic relations with Russia and China, we have begun to build a constructive dialogue with the US leadership. Let me remind you, this is one of the most powerful, main centers of power. Yes, the dialogue is sometimes tough, persistent. Yes, any details are important. But it is a negotiation of the strong with the strong. The respect and authority of our country are not in doubt. And we firmly stand by our positions," said the head of state.
Lukashenko: The European Union may collapse as one of the pillars in the world
 
"There are three poles of power in the world - China, Russia, the USA. In fact, I consider the European Union the fourth pillar. But given their internal discord and hysterical demands - the pole may collapse!" - said the head of state.

According to the President, India is also becoming a new center of attraction.

"Belarus is our home". Lukashenko announced the implementation of the Belarusian path
 
"Belarus is our home. Only we determine our economic system. It has long been socially oriented. And the Americans themselves, great market capitalists, never, throughout all the negotiations, demanded that I break this model or abandon it. They are not blind. They see what kind of country we have - roads, clean cities, normal cars," the head of state noted.
 
"We are indeed implementing our own, Belarusian path. Together," the Belarusian leader emphasized. "We set all tasks based on our own interests and experience, but understanding that only a sovereign state can guarantee their observance."
 
 Lukashenko: Belarus will "fight for its interests" in the most complex and not always fair competition
 
"The task has never been to produce absolutely everything in Belarus. But where we have local raw materials, scientific groundwork and schools, we will literally fight for our interests in the most complex and not always fair competition. Absolutely unfair competition," the head of state said.
He noted that the country now has its own nuclear power plant. This has made it possible to strengthen the country's energy independence by almost half, provide the most competitive tariffs in Europe for industrial enterprises, and open up new sectors – electric heating of housing, electric transport, energy storage, mining, and the crypto market.
 
Lukashenko: "One District - One Project" program to be continued
 
"The 'One District - One Project' initiative has proven successful, creating over 6,000 new jobs in small towns and settlements. This program will be continued and will become one of the key ones in the country," the President said. 
 
Lukashenko compares the plan of fugitives for Belarus's economy to surrendering sovereignty
 
"Essentially, it's the surrender of Belarus's sovereignty and the collapse of its economy under external management. Nothing has changed over many years. It's the same struggle for certain chairs, positions, and financial handouts. Therefore, gritting our teeth, we have always fought for the preservation of our production and industrial base for the development of the republic," the President said.
"What do our fugitives, prompted by their masters, propose? This document was released recently. Literally a month ago, 'patriotic' offices in Lithuania and Warsaw presented another high-profile plan for the 'revival of the Belarusian economy.' It has four main points," the head of state noted.
 
Lukashenko explains why he prioritizes technological sovereignty 
 
"Technological sovereignty - I am consciously prioritizing it, as the experience of so-called cooperation with the West has severely tested us," said Alexander Lukashenko. "Under various pretexts, we were purposefully and systematically placed in a situation of dependence on Western equipment and even small components."
 
Lukashenko stated the need to accelerate the implementation of promising developments in the real sector
 
Speaking about unresolved economic tasks, the head of state emphasized the importance of technological sovereignty. "It is especially important in the real sector to increase the speed of implementing promising developments," Alexander Lukashenko stated. 
 
The President stressed that the country needs projects based on the developments and discoveries of domestic scientific and production schools. "The role of a follower is especially unacceptable in the development of micro- and radioelectronics. The minimum task is to provide our industry and military-industrial complex with domestic microelectronic components. This is our area. We have been working here for a long time," he said.
 
Another specific task pointed out by the head of state is the annual production of new models of numerically controlled machine tools to fully meet the needs of domestic enterprises and to enter world markets.
 
 
Lukashenko: economy is the main weapon in the modern world
 
"During the Assembly, we will have to determine the main directions for the next five years. Before we get acquainted with the draft developed by the government, I would like to recall the basic guidelines that this document - our program - must comply with. They stem from life and are very relevant. The foundation of foundations is the economy. It is the main weapon in the modern world," said the President.
 Lukashenko: We will expand the technopark format to all regions of the country

 
Alexander Lukashenko emphasized the importance of technological sovereignty and noted that the state provides assistance in this area: from benefits to already prepared production facilities. "We have created one of these unique sites on the territory of 'Motovelo' - the Minsk City Technopark. Any entrepreneur can come here with their business idea and start an innovative production. We will expand this format to all regions of the country. The process has begun," the Belarusian leader said, giving a specific example.
 
"A more than promising area." Lukashenko on the importance of localization and cooperation with a specific example 
 
The President pointed out the need for localization and cooperation in production. He noted that it is impossible to produce absolutely everything, but it is necessary to rationally use the potential of cooperation with all partners. "Combining production competencies and solving problems in key technologies is critically important," said Alexander Lukashenko.
 
"We have successful experience in implementing import substitution projects with the Russian Federation - from microelectronics and aircraft manufacturing to the localization of automotive components and assemblies. There are many joint ideas in partnership with the People's Republic of China," said the head of state.
 
 
"Disgraceful attitude towards the industry!" Lukashenko demanded to eliminate shortcomings in the woodworking sector
 
The head of state drew attention to the fact that the country imports furniture and paper packaging worth tens of millions, and at the same time cannot mass-build inexpensive prophylactic facilities for calves. Meanwhile, in Belarus, forests are literally lying around on the edges of forests.
"The outrageous attitude of the relevant officials towards this industry, into which, by the way, $2.5 billion has been invested for the past modernization, taking into account the pulp and paper mill," said Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko: at least 25 major investment projects in industry should be implemented in the new five-year period "In the coming five-year period, at least 25 major investment projects in the industrial sector should be implemented," said Alexander Lukashenko. "We have promising ideas and developments: the creation of a Belarusian train in Fanipol, a domestic aircraft in Baranovichi, a round baler and a milking robot, the restoration of shipbuilding competencies at the Pinsk plant." "So far, the proposals for the petrochemical complex are weak. There are no breakthrough projects after the modernization of the oil refinery," the Belarusian leader added. Lukashenko proposed restructuring the strategy for managing international reserve assets "There will always be resources for standing projects in the country. By the way, we have a record supply of gold and foreign exchange reserves. Is there really a need to have such a volume as dictated by Western systems? I believe that the strategy for managing international reserve assets should be restructured," proposed Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko: IT teams should be oriented towards national projectsПрезидент обратил внимание на необходимость развития национальной IT-индустрии. "Опыт санкций, когда по щелчку прекратилось обслуживание программных продуктов, а технологические цепочки предприятий были поставлены под угрозу, стал для нас еще одним уроком. С моей стороны был простой шаг: запретить говорить о санкциях. А они никуда не делись. Вот одно из направлений", - сказал Александр Лукашенко. 
Глава государства подчеркнул, что эта уязвимость в национальной IT-индустрии будет обязательно ликвидирована. "Критические отрасли должны быть обеспечены импортонезависимым программным продуктом минимум на 90%", - заявил он.
 
"Будем упрощать там, где это рационально". Лукашенко о подходах к цифровизации повседневной жизни  
 
Президент обратил внимание на необходимость развития национальной IT-индустрии и отдельно остановился на цифровизации повседневной жизни. "Мы развиваем технологии электронного правительства, создаем цифровые платформы и сервисы. Но виден ли эффект населению? Понимают ли люди, какие возможности открываются для их удобства? Думаю, не всегда и не все", - заметил Александр Лукашенко.
 
В этой связи глава государства обозначил закономерный вопрос: "Для чего создавали Единый портал электронных услуг, если, кроме Минска и областных центров, люди не имеют возможности удаленно записаться к врачу? Вынуждены в шесть утра приезжать в поликлинику и ждать по живой очереди".
 
Лукашенко: уровень энергетической независимости Беларуси следует поднять еще выше к 2030 году  
 
The President drew attention to the need to develop the national IT industry. "The experience of sanctions, when software product maintenance was stopped with a click, and the technological chains of enterprises were put under threat, became another lesson for us. From my side, there was a simple step: to ban talking about sanctions. But they haven't gone anywhere. This is one of the directions," said Alexander Lukashenko.
The Head of State emphasized that this vulnerability in the national IT industry will definitely be eliminated. "Critical sectors must be provided with import-independent software products by at least 90%," he stated.
 
"We will simplify where it is rational." Lukashenko on approaches to digitalization of everyday life  
 
The President drew attention to the need to develop the national IT industry and separately focused on the digitalization of everyday life. "We are developing e-government technologies, creating digital platforms and services. But is the effect visible to the population? Do people understand what opportunities are opening up for their convenience? I think not always and not everyone," noted Alexander Lukashenko.
 
In this regard, the Head of State raised a logical question: "Why was the Unified Portal of Electronic Services created if, apart from Minsk and regional centers, people do not have the opportunity to make an appointment with a doctor remotely? They are forced to come to the clinic at six in the morning and wait in a live queue."
 
Lukashenko: Belarus's energy independence level should be raised even higher by 2030  
 
Президент Беларуси отметил, что энергетика является гарантом экономического развития и вопросом самодостаточности государства. "Преимущества Беларуси в данном аспекте очевидны. Построенная АЭС серьезно укрепила нашу независимость энергетическую. Но к 2030 году надо поднять этот уровень еще выше", - заявил Александр Лукашенко.  
 
Лукашенко поручил обеспечить одинаково стабильную сотовую связь в любом населенном пункте
 
Глава государства, говоря о цифровизации и развитии национальной IT-индустрии, обратил внимание на такой злободневный вопрос, как надежная и быстрая сотовая связь. 
 
"К ней есть вопросы по всей стране. Семейные расходы на интернет уже сопоставимы с прочими коммунальными платежами", - заявил Александр Лукашенко. 
"Веду к тому, что при своих немалых доходах мобильные операторы должны обеспечить одинаково стабильную связь в любом населенном пункте. Отговорки больше не принимаются", - подчеркнул Президент.
 
Александр Лукашенко поручил правительству решить эту проблему буквально в течение 2026 года. "Все нормативные акты, которые вы просили, я подписал", - заключил он.
 
Лукашенко: отечественному АПК нужно кардинально снизить зависимость от импорта
 
Президент отметил, что, несмотря на рекордный урожай, в сельскохозяйственном секторе Беларуси есть немало пробелов, и их необходимо устранить буквально за ближайший год.  
 
"Настоятельно рекомендую подключиться к этой работе всем заинтересованным лицам. Время уговоров и объяснений закончено. Только конкретные дела и результат. Для АПК это кардинальное снижение зависимости от импорта", - подчеркнул он. 
Lukashenko pointed out gaps in agriculture and instructed to eliminate them within the next year
 
The head of state drew attention to the need for sustainable and profitable food production. "The industry brings billions of dollars in export earnings to the country annually," said Alexander Lukashenko.

At the same time, the Belarusian leader noted, there are quite a few gaps in agriculture. "The reason is the widespread lack of technological and production discipline, falsification of reports and theft. It's sad. This leads to a whole chain of problems. Poor quality feed and animal care, diseases and livestock deaths, mismanagement of expensive agricultural machinery, and so on. All this must be eradicated in our practice. Not within a five-year plan, but literally within the next year," stated Alexander Lukashenko.
 
Lukashenko advocates for wider use of lean management
 
The President called thrift and quality "axioms of the competitiveness of Belarusian goods." "The tools that are widely used in the world are so-called lean management. We have very fragmented implementation so far. Expand work within the framework of the state-level revived Quality Mark, which has become our most prestigious award for manufacturers," the Belarusian leader outlined the task for the future.
 
Lukashenko sets the task to increase the production of electric transport and master the entire line of diesel engines
 
"Mechanical engineering holds a special place in industry. Thousands of units of equipment roll off our assembly lines every year. But we still don't have our own gasoline engine, and we haven't mastered the full range of diesel engines. This means we need a concrete action plan to solve these problems," stated Alexander Lukashenko.
 
Lukashenko issued a final remark to trade business owners: all Belarusian products are a priority
 
Speaking about priorities in the development of the consumer market, the head of state addressed trade business owners: "You are the first to shape demand and decide what and how to put on the shelves. I don't know if the President needs to explain that if a product says 'Made in Belarus,' it should have priority on the shelf. And concerned citizens have been asking me about this for a long time. This is my final remark." 
 
"These are sinecures for officials." Lukashenko expressed indignation over the work of "development institutes"
 
Speaking about the development of foreign trade, the President critically commented on the work of some organizations. "Why do we spend so much money on structures that are neither seen nor heard of – the National Agency for Investments (under the Ministry of Economy), the National Center for Marketing and Price Analysis (under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), the Foreign Economic Activity Agency (under the Development Bank), the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and others?" the head of state asked. "These are sinecures for officials with bloated staff and salaries. Eliminate them within the first quarter of 2026."
 
Don't rely on chance, but master the art of sales. Lukashenko on tasks for exporters
 
The head of state drew attention to the need for effective sales for successful foreign trade. 
In this regard, Alexander Lukashenko mentioned his recent extensive foreign trip, which included visits to Algeria, Oman, and Myanmar. According to the President, he was once again convinced that Belarusians do not know how to trade. Unlike, for example, many residents of the Middle East region, where trade traditions are historically strong. And the head of state even had to ask the Sultan of Oman during negotiations to teach Belarusians how to trade: "We will produce, we will deliver. But let's create a company together and trade together in your traditional markets."
 
Lukashenko sets the task to at least double the contribution of tourism to the country's economy in the next five years
 
The head of state identified tourism as one of the important growth points for the economy. "The relevance of creating a strong Belarusian tourism brand, I think, needs no explanation. As well as the fact that this sphere can become a powerful tool for promoting the image of Belarus as an open and hospitable country," said Alexander Lukashenko. "The task for the upcoming five-year period is to at least double the contribution of tourism to the economy."
 
Lukashenko to the government: make marketplaces and retail chains work for the country
 
The head of state noted that while imports dominate within the country, representatives of the trade sector and manufacturers are seeking state support. "We need to turn this pyramid upside down," said Alexander Lukashenko.
 
"For the government, the indicator of the share of domestic goods in the domestic market will be the main criterion for evaluating performance, along with prices. If there are sales, there will be production volumes, GDP, and exports. But if there are no sales, you will have neither GDP, nor volumes, nor salaries. As an economist, I tell you – it's a simple formula," the President emphasized. "Everything should start with sales. Make all your marketplaces, retail chains, and other structures work for the country at last. Otherwise, we will deal with this using other, familiar to you, methods. There is no other way out if we want to live in a normal country and not fight."
 
The result of brainwashing. Lukashenko explained why Belarusians believe in the "elitism of imports"
 
The Head of State drew attention to the priorities in improving the consumer market.

"For us, Belarusians, the choice of which product to buy – Belarusian or foreign – is a matter of national security (it should be)," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.
 
Lukashenko demanded to immediately deal with unjustified intermediation
 
"I will inform you that I have instructed the Deputy Chairman of the (Supreme National Council. – Ed. BELTA) Kosinets Alexander Nikolaevich to immediately deal with this issue – intermediation. To eradicate it at the root. We lose from 30 to 50 percent in price just because we feed intermediaries. Is this normal?" the President critically remarked and instructed the government to also immediately join the fight against unjustified intermediation.

 
Lukashenko on the importance of maintaining cleanliness and order: do not force us to resort to Singaporean methods
 
"Belarus is a clean country. This is the first impression our guests voice. And this is a huge effort. Tens of thousands of people go to work every day, bring beauty, even when most of our citizens are still asleep," the head of state noted. And it's not just about the absence of garbage, but also about well-kept parks, streets decorated with flowers, and every corner equipped for recreation.
 
Lukashenko does not rule out that a limit on the commissioning of new housing meters may be introduced in Minsk
 
"A limit on the commissioning of new housing meters should be introduced in Minsk - no more than 300 thousand per year. Maybe even less," the head of state said. 
 
Lukashenko: the issue of outflow of people from the regions must be resolved by revolutionary methods
 
The head of state named the development of strong regions as one of the priority tasks for the future. He emphasized that all sectors of the economy should form the basis of the new regional policy. "In every region and district - this is where we shift the center of gravity, all forces and resources, - emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. - The most important task is to stop the outflow of people from the regions, to relieve the burden on the capital and regional centers. This issue must be resolved by revolutionary methods, finally and without discussion. Otherwise, we will depopulate the country."
 
Lukashenko: my task is to save the village
 
"My task is to save the village! - emphasized the Belarusian leader. - The village is the foundation of our life. The state cannot exist without it."
 
Lukashenko demanded to maximally simplify all requirements and procedures for the demolition of abandoned structures
 
The President recalled that throughout this year, Belarus has been actively engaged in landscaping territories. Order has been established at many significant sites, and two republican subbotniks (volunteer workdays) have been held.
"Now we need to pay attention to abandoned structures," the head of state said. "The Government, executive committees, jointly with the military, must maximally simplify all requirements and procedures, reduce the timelines and the cost of demolition itself, and bring the resulting land into circulation."
 
 
Lukashenko: A new national approach is needed to motivate relocation to rural areas
 
 To stop the outflow of people from regions to big cities, it is necessary, first of all, to solve the issues of employment and housing, the head of state is confident. 
"We are not a Western country where people are accustomed to living in rented housing for a long time, sometimes their whole lives. Belarusians prefer to live in their own homes and apartments (and this is good)! Therefore, young specialists should have the right to buy out rental housing in the future, and its construction should be linked to job creation," the President said.
 
"A new national approach is needed, motivating relocation to rural areas, with specific conditions," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko.
 "We demand from them, and they wait for weeks..." Lukashenko recalled the task of ensuring the quality of medical care in rural areas
 
"We demand grain from villagers, from peasants, and they wait for weeks for a specialist's consultation or diagnostic tests," the head of state pointed out.
 
The head of state drew attention to the fact that huge resources are invested in the development of healthcare. New facilities are constantly being opened, medical institutions are being renovated, and modern medical equipment is being purchased. 
 
Lukashenko to women: Give birth to three babies and ask anything of me
 
"Dear women, give birth to three babies and ask anything of me," said Alexander Lukashenko. This proposal was met with stormy applause from the audience.
 
The head of state noted that to maintain the population size alone, families should have three children.

The President pointed out that enough has been done in terms of financial incentives. Before the child is born, expectant mothers are provided with free comprehensive medical care, significant child benefits are paid, a family capital program is in place, and kindergarten fees are kept at a minimum in the country, subsidized from the budget.
 
"We won't make them give birth with money." Lukashenko proposed a national solution to the demographic problem
 
The head of state noted that today all developed countries are facing an unprecedented decline in birth rates and an aging population. Unfortunately, Belarus is no exception.
The President recalled that Belarus maintains leading positions in the world in providing medical care to mothers and children and has long maintained low rates of infant, child, and maternal mortality, which is a huge achievement. But this is no longer enough, Alexander Lukashenko is confident.
 
 
Lukashenko: Everyone knows the recipe for a long and high-quality life – physical culture and sports
 
According to the head of state, increasing life expectancy is one of the strategic goals.
 
"No less important than the birth of children is the benchmark of active longevity. To a greater extent, this is the result of the lifestyle we choose. By the end of 2030, every fifth Belarusian will be over 65 years old at the current rate," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

"Vitebskiye Vesti"