Shapira proposed to impose tax on exported fuel

While the government works out a law to counter “social parasitism”, local authorities comment on the initiative.

Siamion Shapira said recently that he had raised the theme of social parasitism in the region when he worked as the chairman of the Hrodna region executive committee. He proposed to turn attention to incomes of those who bring large lots of fuel and cigarettes out of the country, Blog Hrodna writes.

According to him, a person can earn about $1,000 per trip. Siamion Shapira says checks among Hrodna residents involved in this kind of business showed that some persons without an official job, “had five houses in possession”.

“It was figured out that they didn't pay any taxes, but used all benefits offered by the government,” Siammion Shapira said.

He proposed to impose a local tax on the volume of fuel brought out of the country if it exceeds the permitted limit. It was supposed to spend the collected money on roads, motorway infrastructure, additional parking lots and rest areas. However, the decision wasn't taken, the head of the Minsk regional executive committee says.

“Our laws are applied to the entire country. Regions cannot impose their own taxes,” he explained.

Siamion Shapira stressed that social parasites do not pay taxes, but use free medical services and receive education. Measures to find social parasites will be taken in Belarus. “We need to struggle with it. That's a given,” he said.