Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko recently called for equality in price regulation between private enterprises and state-owned businesses, emphasizing the necessity for the state to create clear operating conditions. During discussions on February 27, 2025, he stated, "There should not be harsh methods of regulation, so as not to harm the economy." This statement captures the essence of his approach to the nation’s economic future.
Lukashenko highlighted the importance of fostering fair play within the marketplace, asserting, "The government’s role must henceforth be to create understandable working conditions, not to oversee activities harshly." His viewpoint reflects a significant shift toward empowering businesses to set their own prices, provided they remain within parameters he describes as the "track of justice."
According to the President, the regulation should not excessively suppress the pricing of producers, as he remarked, "We should not excessively restrain the prices of producers. There must be normal profitability." This indicates his intention to balance market forces with the necessity of maintaining sustainable business practices.
Addressing concerns from business leaders about competition, Lukashenko noted, "Businessmen and producers should set prices for their products, but they should have their own track—an equitable track. We must not overload the costs upon the end consumers." He pointed out the responsibility of businesses to manage their expenses prudently, highlighting the need for companies to absorb certain costs and avoid unfairly passing them onto consumers. "For example, purchases of new vehicles should not inflate the cost of production," he explained.
His comments come amid calls from some sectors for more stringent regulations aimed at state enterprises, which he opposed by advocating for equal treatment across both private and public sectors. "The approach to private and state enterprises must be the same—harsh, for the interests of the people," he emphasized.
Beyond immediate economic concerns, he insisted on the need for collective responsibility among citizens and businesses. "If you can’t buy something, then go work," he stated bluntly, urging citizens to take personal initiative and responsibility toward economic challenges.
Onlookers note this rhetoric is consistent with Lukashenko’s historic emphasis on state control within the economy, albeit with tighter controls on expectations from the government as it regulates business practices. His stance suggests he recognizes the need for adaptation to modern economic principles, where businesses must thrive under transparent and equitable conditions.
The President's approach appears to encourage constructive dialogue with the private sector, as he advocates for proposals from business entities aimed at fostering healthier competition without stifling growth. This perspective aligns with broader trends aimed at revitalizing the Belarusian market post-COVID, where the balance between public and private interests has become increasingly significant.
By positioning the state not as a regulator but as a facilitator of fairness, Lukashenko is striving to create a business environment where both private and state enterprises can flourish under equal rules. Observers will closely watch the implementation of these ideas, especially how they translate to practical policies affecting everyday economic interactions.
While some may welcome these relaxed regulatory measures, others remain skeptical about their potential effectiveness. The true test will manifest as the government navigates the dynamic and sometimes turbulent waters of economic adjustment under these new principles of equal treatment.