Leu Marhollin: Delay is way to avoid protests of market traders

The United Civil Party condemns the crackdown on market traders and the elimination of small business.

The website ucpb.org asked the UCP deputy chairman, economist Leu Marholin, to comment on the situation.

“March 1 is considered by experts to be the beginning of the end of small business in Belarus. Despite the protests, the government didn't change its mind,” the expert thinks. “Everything it does now – the delay of certification, promises not to punish, promises to find a solution allowing traders to sell stocks – are only attempts to make the death of small business less quick and painful, to avoid any protests. Of course, not all market traders will die. Private initiative is hardy as it wasn't completely killed even by the Soviet authorities. But those who will survive will have to raise prices or work illegally. We are again offered to pay for doubtful experiments of the Belarusian authorities no matter how they explain it – by caring about our health or mythical integration interests.”

The Forum of Small Businessmen, which was held in Minsk lately, failed to achieve the main aim – postponing the coming into force of Lukashenka's decree No.222 that obliges sellers to have accompanying documents for all items on sale. Trading without accompanying documents will be prohibited in a week. Traders will be fined 9 million rubles for violations and their goods will be confiscated.