Belarus’ State Control Committee to look into trade in tobacco goods, alcohol
On 5 November, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko heard reports from Vasily Gerasimov, Chairman of the State Control Committee, and Ivan Kubrakov, Minister of Internal Affairs, BelTA has learned.
The chairman of the State Control reported on the results of an inspection of the road sector, a monitoring task previously assigned by the head of state. The review assessed the quality of construction and reconstruction work on roads and bridges, as well as the procurement of new road equipment.
The second topic discussed was the efficient use of land and state property. This included the reintegration of land into economic circulation and the demolition of certain old buildings. Following a prior presidential order for a full audit of unused agricultural facilities, Vasily Gerasimov reported on the identified shortcomings in these areas.
The president was also briefed on the progress regarding stalled construction projects, specifically the approaches defined for unfinished sites across the country. It was noted that while the number of such projects has significantly decreased in recent years, a number of problematic issues remain.
In furtherance of the president’s instruction, the State Control Committee is also monitoring the clean-up efforts (until 7 November). This applies to the country as a whole, and particularly to Vitebsk Oblast, where Aleksandr Lukashenko recently held a meeting on regional development issues. The chairman of the State Control Committee reported on the interim results. The president noted the importance of focusing not only on external order but also on addressing broader issues. The head of state instructed the State Control Committee to thoroughly review the state of affairs nationwide after 7 November and, following the weekend, to submit a detailed report on the work done.
Finally, Aleksandr Lukashenko instructed the State Control Committee to conduct a study of the tobacco and alcohol markets, from quota allocation to the distribution of these products within the country.
Minister of Internal Affairs Ivan Kubrakov briefed the head of state on the current operational situation in the country and, in particular, on statistics related to criminal investigation. He noted that the situation is calm and under the control of law enforcement agencies, with a continuing downward trend in crime. He assured that the preventive efforts previously instructed by the president are yielding results. A report was also presented on the work to solve past crimes – both high-profile cases and those that are under the personal control of the president.
Another key topic was combating cybercrime. Aleksandr Lukashenko has repeatedly identified this as a critical problem and has tasked law enforcement agencies with protecting people from this type of criminal activity. Ivan Kubrakov reported that for the first time in the country, the situation has been reversed, with a reduction of approximately 10% in this type of crime. Following a report on police protection measures, the president set the task of paying particular attention to and providing assistance to the elderly.
The report also covered the fight against illegal drug trafficking, indicating that the situation in this area is “under control.”
A central topic was road safety, with a focus on persistent issues and the causes of tragic accidents. The president was briefed on the results of work following recent changes to traffic regulations. The head of state was interested in the public’s attitude toward these legislative changes, particularly regarding personal mobility devices.
Ivan Kubrakov also briefed the head of state on statistics and the current situation regarding migration.
The president gave specific instructions on all issues.
