Belarusians On Constitution Day: We Must Do Away With “President”!

Homel activists – about the Constitution of 1994 and its changes.

March 15 is the holiday of the Belarusian Constitution. The editors of the Homel Viasna site have talked to public and political activists of Homel region.

Andrei Pavuk, blogger: first, I would like to ensure if it really exists and by whom was signed. Who assumed the obligation of its implementation? We ought to have the standards of the coat of arms, flag, anthem, Constitution. Where to get acquainted with them? My inquiries to the authorities say that we can’t find these standards anywhere...

Viktar Rubtsou, a social activist: We must do away with the presidency!

Maryja Tarasenka, a civil activist: First, they must implement the Constitution, especially the authorities and representatives of law enforcement agencies.

Andrei Stryzhak, REP independent trade union: There’s need to consolidate the principle of real separation of powers. The legislative, executive and judicial authorities should make out the balance, and not to fall in with Lukashenka, as it is now. And obviously, there must be the limit of two presidential terms.

Tatsiana Ramanava, sister of the deceased lifeguard: It is necessary to change the power! Under the current one, the Constitution does not work ...

Barys Anikeyeu, a social activist and defender of Kurapaty: My opinion is that the guarantees of the rights of citizens must be expanded, to do this, the whole section “Personality, Society, State” must be changed.

Leanid Sudalenka, a human rights activist: Every year, the UN Human Rights Committee recognizes more and more victims of violations of civil and political rights, committed by the state in Belarus. What does this mean? The country does not ensure the basic rights and freedoms of citizens, as a human rights activist, I’m very much concerned about this.

Alena Hermanovich, a BelaPAN journalist: We must do away with the institute of the presidency, and then take measures to preserve the Constitution so that no one else can change it to suit his interests.

Vasil Paliakou, a politician: There are norms in the Constitution that contradict the principle of separation of powers, there is a clear bias in favor of the executive power, there are no guarantees for the independence of the court. This has to be changed to make the Constitution meet democratic standards.

Uladimir Katsora, a politician: the buzz is not in the Constitution, but in the brain. As early as the middle of the 19th century, the German philosopher and politician Ferdinand Lassalle said: “The real Constitution is in the real, actual power relations existing in the country.”