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Lukashenka attacks Deputy Prime Minister Syamashka over government infighting

 

Alyaksandr Lukashenka on Friday criticized Uladzimir Syamashka, first deputy prime minister, for what he described as his disputes with subordinate government officials.

Speaking at a meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Belarusian leader accused Mr. Syamashka of ignoring “colleagues’ opinions” and treating them rudely. “I would ask you to stop clashing with people who have been appointed by the president. It is the president who has appointed them and only the president may dismiss them,” the presidential press office quoted him as saying.

Mr. Lukashenka expressed surprise at Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich’s failure to intervene and end infighting within the government.

He also criticized the prime minister’s decision to have the efficiency of the Belarusian State Petrochemical Industry Concern (Belnaftakhim) and the performance of its top executive staff evaluated.

At the same time, Mr. Lukashenka stressed that Messrs. Myasnikovich and Syamashka had failed to address what he described as multiple irregularities in the energy sector.

“What I said about the first deputy prime minister does not mean that he is the worst one. I just want to say that with all my respect for him there are no and will never be untouchable people in our country,” Mr. Lukashenka concluded. // BelaPAN