An archive photo

MINSK, 22 August (BelTA) – Belarus prevented the rise of “predatory capitalism” and the plundering of the country, and President Aleksandr Lukashenko deserves immense credit for this. The military observer with the Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda, Colonel (retired) Viktor Baranets offered the opinion in a recent episode of BelTA’s project On Point.

“True to my habit of speaking the unvarnished truth and nothing but the truth, I state: part of Belarus’ greatness lies in the fact that it has not allowed predatory capitalism to take root. From this point of view we also have something to learn from Belarusians,” said Viktor Baranets.

He noted that he had visited Belarus on more than one occasion, and each time he had been pleasantly impressed by his visits to the republic. “As I traveled across its vast expanses, I often found myself thinking about the cleanliness of your cities, towns, and villages. On the whole, I have always considered Belarusians to be a very talented people,” added Viktor Baranets.

The observer pointed out that after the collapse of the USSR, Belarus managed not only to preserve its Soviet potential but also to significantly expand it by preventing factories and plants from being sold off for a song. “This is also a reflection of your sound policies,” he stated.

Viktor Baranets is convinced that Aleksandr Lukashenko deserves immense credit for this, as he quashed attempts to sell off domestic enterprises in the early years of his presidency, thereby preventing the plundering of the country. “We must give credit to the government, at the center of which stands the president of Belarus. He managed to rein in this genie. And judging by the statements I often read and hear, he still keeps in check those who would like to ‘grab a quick buck.’ This is the right policy,” the observer emphasized.