Lukashenko suggests tougher measures against corruption, alcohol abuse :: Charter'97 :: News

Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested toughening measures against alcohol abuse and corruption while receiving Vladimir Savchenko, chairman of the Grodno Regional Executive Committee, on November 12.

He said that the legislature should adopt a bill providing for severer punishment for drunk driving.

“At present," the Belarusian leader said, "drunkenness is becoming an economic category rather than a moral or even social one.” It is drunkenness that affects the economy, causes low output and profitability figures and result in big losses for the country, that is why punishment should be adequate, according to him.

Mr. Lukashenko also suggested that enforced treatment centers for alcoholic addicts should not be turned into rest homes for “malicious drunkards." This is the institution where people are supposed to be corrected by labor, he said, directing that the efficiency of the centers should be investigated.

Mr. Lukashenko stressed that the government would continue a resolute fight against corruption. In this regard, he ordered the Presidential Administration to increase supervision over personnel management in all spheres. He warned that the debureaucratization of the state apparatus would be under his personal control.

The Belarusian leader also noted that after January 1, 2005, all conferences at governmental agencies should not be held before 5 p.m. Working hours should be used for performing specific functions, he stressed.