Social guarantees under Lukashenko's control

Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador

Lukashenko cynically stated that the principles of social policy in Belarus are justice, responsibility, and care towards the citizens of the country. Such words from the mouth of the dictator are blasphemy towards Belarusians and a lie in regard to reality.

The principle of social justice should imply, among other things, equal opportunities for all categories of citizens in need to receive social security. However, what is happening in Belarus in reality?

Through the law "On Amendments to the Law on Social Services and Social Payments" dated December 13, 2023, the regime introduces licensing of social services and changes the criteria for determining eligibility to receive them for individuals in need. This law, enacted by Lukashenko, is aimed at gradually dismantling social services for the elderly population.

Currently, the country has over 500 thousand citizens aged 75 years and older, and over the past 5 years, the number of recipients of social services has increased by more than 20%.

Lukashenko is unwilling to increase the cost of social security for the population and is instead compelled to continually increase payments to those who ensure his illegal hold on power.

While Belarus still has state guarantees for social services according to the law, Lukashenko conveniently emphasizes these paper guarantees when discussing a socially oriented state. Previously, the social package for senior citizens in the country was considered largely untouchable and not subject to significant changes. However, for Lukashenko, nothing is sacred when it comes to maintaining his illegitimate power.

In his law "On Amendments to the Law on Social Services and Social Payments," Lukashenko cynically states that the goals of social services for the population will now focus on "intensifying citizens' own efforts and creating conditions for them to independently overcome difficult life situations." In other words, if you find yourself in a difficult situation, you are expected to overcome it on your own.

True social protection of the population exists only in a democratic society where budget spending processes occur openly and transparently. In Belarus, the Lukashenko regime is consistently and purposefully eroding such guarantees from the state for the population.