Aliaksandr Makaeu: Authorities want to reconstruct markets at cost of sole traders

It became a trend that the authorities want market traders to fund the “improvement” of markets. In addition, private business will suffer additional losses after raising VAT on July 1.

A grassroots rally of sole traders was held at Expobel market in Minsk on June 24. It was caused by the plans of the market administration to demount the stalls, which traders construct at the their own expense, and move them to another place. Traders are supposed to install new pavilions at the own expense and in accordance with the technical regulations set by the market administration. According to the technical regulations, pavilions must have insulated glazing windows with six panes, electric roller shutters, polymer coating with a warranty of at least 10 years. Charter97.org asked Aliaksandr Makaeu, the leader of the Coordination Council of Market Traders, to comment on the situation.

“Unfortunately, I don't know all details of the conflict between the sellers and the market administration. They were going to file a joint complaint, but I don't know results so far. The authorities often demand that market administrations to reconstruct trading places, which is often performed at the expense of sellers. The new VAT coefficient is introduced on July 1. It also makes market traders angry. Taxes are growing, and the quality of trade is falling,” the leader of market traders noted.