Economist About Lukashenka’s Plans: He Pulls His Budget Projections Out Of Hat

The governor expects Belarusian GDP to add not less than 12% in 2016-2020.

Lukashenka expects Belarusian GDP to add not less than 12% in 2016-2020. He stated this today, talking to the representatives of the JSC Amkodor-Pinsk, BelTA informs.

According to the governor, there should be spelled out quite serious and strenuous task for the government on the program of socio-economic development for five years, which will be presented for discussion at the “All-Belarusian People's Assembly.” “In the five-year period we should have, I think, at least a 12% GDP growth. For the time being the government suggests setting the target at 10.1%,” – Lukashenka said.

According to him, an inter-departmental working group is finalizing the forecast parameters and will make relevant proposals to the dictator.

The president will instruct the government to carry out this program. “The government was told: if you can execute the program, please do. If you cannot, leave. Others will,” – the governor said.

As economist Leanid Zlotnikau told charter97.org, Lukashenka has no grounds today to call such figures of GDP growth.

“Now the situation in the country is unstable and it’s impossible to predict something 5 years ahead. Moreover, the Ministry of Economy does not make any calculations for such forecasts.

The system is in a crisis from which there is no escape, unless it is reformed, and the government turns to democracy. Lukashenka’s model is unsustainable. Therefore the situation will not change, or will become even worse. I think that the standard of living can still be reduced: according to my projections, the real incomes of the population will fall by another 10-20%. So the words of the 12% of GDP are a dream, a wish, but nothing more,“ – the economist says.