Marholin: Lukashenka's statement about support to families is nothing more than populism

Belarus is not rich enough to pay tens of thousands of dollars for a child.

Economist Leu Marholin spoke to charter97.org about the project “Big Family” proposed by the Belarusian ruler.

“This issue should be divided into two parts. Firstly, if the state is interested in the population growth, which is true, it must give stimuli to it. It is common practice in the world. Secondly, does our state has money? If the project really needs 2 billion dollars annually, it's clear that it is impossible in our situation. I wouldn't exaggerate Lukashenka's statements, because he will say in a week or two that the state has an idea, but the figures that were mentioned and later spread by journalists were just an example,” the expert thinks.

The economist is sure that Belarus is not rich enough to pay 10, 20 or 40 thousand dollars for a child.

“I think Lukashenka wanted to impress workers – see, we are not worse than others, we can give you such money. I think it is nothing more than populism. Maybe they have this idea, but it is half-baked yet,” Leu Marholin summed up.

We remind that Lukashenka proposed to encourage families to have children by giving large amounts of money for the birth of a child.