Belarus Names Yuri Chebotar as Minister of Economy and Signals a Push for Change
The Belarusian president, Alexander Lukashenko, announced the appointment of Yuri Chebotar, the First Deputy Head of the Department, to lead the Ministry of Economy. The move was communicated by the presidential press service and marks a notable shift in the government’s economic leadership.
Lukashenko underscored his expectation that Chebotar would play a more proactive role within the ministry. He urged the new minister to be truthful and transparent in reporting on the ministry’s performance, signaling a desire for increased accountability at the top of economic policy.
In remarks accompanying the appointment, Lukashenko conveyed a candid assessment of the ministry’s recent activity. He acknowledged that he had not observed sustained engagement from the Ministry of Economy over the past year and admitted, in plain terms, that he was not fully satisfied with its outputs. The president stressed that this assessment was a spur for improvement rather than a critique of individuals, and he expressed hope that the new leadership would bring about tangible changes.
The decision to install Chebotar follows a broader effort to refresh leadership and inject momentum into state economic management. Lukashenko indicated that the ministry would now be expected to demonstrate results, with greater clarity on goals and measurable progress in key sectors of the economy.
Alongside this personnel move, the president approved a legal change intended to secure protections for the outgoing head of state. The new provisions extend certain guarantees that cover the president and his family, addressing aspects related to the former leader’s immunity and the handling of state assets tied to the presidency. The reform aims to balance ongoing governance with a predictable framework for transition periods.
Separately, Lukashenko also reminded observers of ongoing tensions in relations with the Russian Federation. The public tone around these relations has featured discussions of cooperation and competition, with the leadership signaling a focus on safeguarding Belarusian interests while navigating regional dynamics.