Lukashenko Emphasizes Importance of Expert Contributions to Legislative Drafting

Effective Approach to Legal Act Drafting

Minsk, Belarus - President Alexander Lukashenko highlighted the significance of involving experts and public participation in the drafting of legal acts at a recent meeting with the Presidential Administration.

According to the President, engaging experts and the general public in discussions on draft legislation has proven effective. This approach ensures that legal acts are well-thought-out, effective, and meet the needs of society.

Combating Corruption in Belarus

The emphasis on expert contributions is particularly relevant given the recent corruption scandals that have rocked Belarus’ healthcare system. In July 2018, authorities uncovered a large-scale scheme involving corrupt officials who received bribes for awarding contracts to certain suppliers.

In response, President Lukashenko fired several high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov and his deputies, as well as the ministers of economy and industry. The move was seen as a decisive step towards rooting out corruption in the country’s leadership.

Strengthening Cooperation with International Partners

Belarus has also been working to strengthen its cooperation with international partners in the fight against corruption. In July 2018, the country participated in a meeting of Justice Ministers from EU member states and Eastern Partnership countries, where they discussed priorities for cooperation in justice and home affairs.

The meeting emphasized the importance of combating corruption and implementing public administration reforms to promote good governance and increase public trust in institutions.

Additionally, representatives of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) agreed on a draft agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in combating corruption. The agreement foresees joint programs, anti-corruption monitoring, information exchange, and improvements to legal frameworks for cooperation among member states.

Ongoing Investigation and Crackdown on Corruption

The uncovering of the corruption scheme in Belarus’ healthcare system has led to a significant crackdown on corrupt officials. To date, over 50 individuals have been detained or subjected to other preventive measures in connection with the case.

As President Lukashenko noted, no one involved in corruption will be spared responsibility, including high-ranking officials. The ongoing investigation is expected to take several months and may uncover further instances of corruption at all levels of government.

Conclusion

The emphasis on expert contributions to legislative drafting and cooperation with international partners suggests that Belarus is committed to strengthening its anti-corruption efforts and promoting transparency and accountability in governance.