This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Belarus’s strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko has sacked his prime minister and other key members of government following a corruption scandal that saw top officials arrested.

Andrei Kobyakov will be replaced as prime minister by former development bank head Sergei Rumas. Several vice-premiers as well as the ministers for economy and industry have also lost their posts.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Andrei Kobyakov, former prime minster of Belarus.

“I won’t name names, but in our government we had the following situation – one programme would be announced and then another programme would be carried out,” Lukashenko said in comments released by his press office.

“I’ve never allowed this and I never will. What we have promised the people – with a government formed precisely with this programme in mind – we must follow this programme,” he added.

Over the summer a corruption scandal rocked the health service of the ex-Soviet nation.

Authorities arrested dozens of top health officials, medics and drug company representatives on suspicion of siphoning off millions of dollars in state funding.

Even the head of the security services in the country dubbed “Europe’s last dictatorship” called for an overhaul of the system in the wake of the arrests.

Protesters arrested in Belarus during opposition rally Read more

Other smaller instances of corruption and administrative failures have hit local and national governments in recent months.

Independent economist and director of the Scientific Research Mises Center, Yaroslav Romanchuk welcomed the government shake-up.

“It is good to replace these people, pillars of the old socialist economy,” he said, adding that the new team were not “bogged down in corruption”.

“Sergei Rumas knows what the economy and finance are about, he’s an intelligent economist … we can hope for the start of economic reforms, as long as Lukashenko gives a mandate to carry them out,” Romanchuk said.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, sacked key government members.

Political analyst Valeriy Karbalevich said: “Lukashenko has discovered the government wasn’t afraid of him, it clearly wasn’t carrying out his orders.”

The president “hopes the new people will be too scared to steal or sabotage his directives”, he added.

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus, wedged between Russia and Poland, since 1994.</s>Belarus's strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday sacked his prime minister and other key members of government in the biggest government reshuffle since 2014 following a corruption scandal that saw top officials arrested.

Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov will be replaced by former development bank head Sergei Rumas, the president's press office said in a statement.

Several vice-premiers as well as the ministers for economy, communications and industry will also lose their posts.

"I won't name names, but in our government we had the following situation -- one program would be announced and then another program would be carried out," Lukashenko said in comments released by his press office.

"I've never allowed this and I never will! What we have promised the people -- with a government formed precisely with this program in mind -- we must follow this program," he added.

Over the summer a corruption scandal rocked the health service of the ex-Soviet nation.

Authorities arrested dozens of top health officials, medics and drug company representatives on suspicion of siphoning off millions of dollars in state funding.

Even the head of the security services in the country dubbed "Europe's last dictatorship" called for an overhaul of the system in the wake of the arrests.

Other smaller instances of corruption and administrative failures have hit local and national governments in recent months.

Independent economist and director of the Scientific Research Mises Center, Yaroslav Romanchuk welcomed the government shake-up.

"It is good to replace these people, pillars of the old socialist economy," he told AFP, adding that the new team were not "bogged down in corruption".

"Sergei Rumas knows what the economy and finance are about, he's an intelligent economist...we can hope for the start of economic reforms, as long as Lukashenko gives a mandate to carry them out," Romanchuk said.

Political analyst Valeriy Karbalevich said: "Lukashenko has discovered the government wasn't afraid of him, it clearly wasn't carrying out his orders".

The president "hopes the new people will be too scared to steal or sabotage his directives," he added.

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus, wedged between Russia and Poland, since 1994. The 63-year-old leader has heeded some calls from the West to show more leniency towards political opposition, but opponents say their freedom to operate remains severely limited.</s>MINSK: Belarus´s strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday sacked his prime minister and other key members of government following a corruption scandal that saw top officials arrested.

Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov will be replaced by former development bank head Sergei Rumas, the president´s press office said in a statement. Several vice-premiers as well as the ministers for economy and industry will also lose their posts.

"I won´t name names, but in our government we had the following situation -- one programme would be announced and then another programme would be carried out," Lukashenko said in comments released by his press office.

"I´ve never allowed this and I never will! What we have promised the people -- with a government formed precisely with this programme in mind, we must follow this programme," he added. Over the summer a corruption scandal rocked the health service of the ex-Soviet nation. Authorities arrested dozens of top health officials, medics and drug company representatives on suspicion of siphoning off millions of dollars in state funding.</s>Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the country’s prime minister and other top ministers, the presidential press service said on Saturday, in the biggest government reshuffle since 2014.

The shake-up comes days after Lukashenko, who has run Belarus along Soviet-style command lines since 1994, criticised government leaders for their ineffectiveness.

Lukashenko named Sergei Rumas, the head of the country’s Development Bank, as new prime minister, the presidential press service said in a statement. Rumas replaces Andrei Kobyakov, who had served as Belarus’ prime minister since 2014.

Lukashenko also named four new deputy prime ministers, as well as new ministers of the economy, communications and industry, among other posts. The 63-year-old leader has heeded some calls from the West to show more leniency towards political opposition, but opponents say their freedom to operate remains severely limited.

For all the latest World News, download Indian Express App</s>Baku. 12 April. REPORT.AZ/ On April 12, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

Report informs referring to the press service of the President of Azerbaijan, Alexander Lukashenko congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on his landslide victory in the presidential election, and wished him success in his presidential activities towards ensuring the well-being of the people of Azerbaijan and the country`s development.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked Alexander Lukashenko for his attention and congratulations.

The heads of state hailed the development of the friendly relations between the two countries, and expressed their confidence that the bilateral ties will continue to expand.</s>The new Belarusian Prime Minister Sergei Rumas in Minsk, Belarus, on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the country's prime minister and other top ministers, according to information released from the Presidential office, and named Rumas, the former head of the country's Development Bank, as new prime minister. (Maxim Guchek/BelTA Pool Photo via AP) less

The new Belarusian Prime Minister Sergei Rumas in Minsk, Belarus, on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the country's prime minister and other top ministers, ... more

A new Belarusian Prime Minister Sergei Rumas poses for a photo in Minsk, Belarus, on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the country's prime minister and other top ministers, according to information released from the Presidential office, and named Rumas, the former head of the country's Development Bank, as new prime minister. (Maxim Guchek/BelTA Pool Photo via AP) less

A new Belarusian Prime Minister Sergei Rumas poses for a photo in Minsk, Belarus, on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the country's prime minister and other top ... more

FILE - In this file photo taken on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speaks to media at a polling station after voting during the presidential election in Minsk, Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko has appointed a new prime minister Saturday Aug. 18, 2018, and carried out a significant reshuffling of the government. less

FILE - In this file photo taken on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speaks to media at a polling station after voting during the presidential election in Minsk, Belarus. ... more

MINSK, Belarus (AP) — Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has fired his Cabinet, accusing it of failing to fulfill his orders.

Lukashenko emphasized that a strong economy is essential for Belarus to maintain and strengthen its independence. He also warned Saturday that Belarus will not turn into a "vassal" of its giant neighbor, Russia, even though he underlined the importance of close ties with Moscow.

Belarus has long depended on cheap energy and other subsidies from Russia.

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus with an iron hand for 24 years, maintaining rigid Soviet-style controls over economy and showing little tolerance for dissent or independent media.

He said he fired Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov's Cabinet for failing to execute his orders and for paying too little attention to the country's social needs. He appointed banker Sergei Rumas to succeed Kobyakov.</s>(Maxim Guchek/BelTA Pool Photo via AP). The new Belarusian Prime Minister Sergei Rumas in Minsk, Belarus, on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the country's prime minister and other top ministers, accord...

(Maxim Guchek/BelTA Pool Photo via AP). A new Belarusian Prime Minister Sergei Rumas poses for a photo in Minsk, Belarus, on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the country's prime minister and other top m...

(AP Photo/Sergei Grits, FILE). FILE - In this file photo taken on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speaks to media at a polling station after voting during the presidential election in Minsk, Belarus. Alexander Lukashenk...

MINSK, Belarus (AP) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has fired his Cabinet, accusing it of failing to fulfill his orders.

Lukashenko emphasized that a strong economy is essential for Belarus to maintain and strengthen its independence. He also warned Saturday that Belarus will not turn into a "vassal" of its giant neighbor, Russia, even though he underlined the importance of close ties with Moscow.

Belarus has long depended on cheap energy and other subsidies from Russia.

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus with an iron hand for 24 years, maintaining rigid Soviet-style controls over economy and showing little tolerance for dissent or independent media.

He said he fired Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov's Cabinet for failing to execute his orders and for paying too little attention to the country's social needs. He appointed banker Sergei Rumas to succeed Kobyakov.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</s>MINSK, Belarus (AP) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has fired his Cabinet, accusing it of failing to fulfill his orders.

Lukashenko emphasized that a strong economy is essential for Belarus to maintain and strengthen its independence. He also warned Saturday that Belarus will not turn into a "vassal" of its giant neighbor, Russia, even though he underlined the importance of close ties with Moscow.

Belarus has long depended on cheap energy and other subsidies from Russia.

FILE - In this file photo taken on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speaks to media at a polling station after voting during the presidential election in Minsk, Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko has appointed a new prime minister Saturday Aug. 18, 2018, and carried out a significant reshuffling of the government. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits, FILE)

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus with an iron hand for 24 years, maintaining rigid Soviet-style controls over economy and showing little tolerance for dissent or independent media.

He said he fired Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov's Cabinet for failing to execute his orders and for paying too little attention to the country's social needs. He appointed banker Sergei Rumas to succeed Kobyakov.

A new Belarusian Prime Minister Sergei Rumas poses for a photo in Minsk, Belarus, on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the country's prime minister and other top ministers, according to information released from the Presidential office, and named Rumas, the former head of the country's Development Bank, as new prime minister. (Maxim Guchek/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

The new Belarusian Prime Minister Sergei Rumas in Minsk, Belarus, on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the country's prime minister and other top ministers, according to information released from the Presidential office, and named Rumas, the former head of the country's Development Bank, as new prime minister. (Maxim Guchek/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)</s>(Maxim Guchek/BelTA Pool Photo via AP). The new Belarusian Prime Minister Sergei Rumas in Minsk, Belarus, on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the country's prime minister and other top ministers, accord...

(Maxim Guchek/BelTA Pool Photo via AP). A new Belarusian Prime Minister Sergei Rumas poses for a photo in Minsk, Belarus, on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the country's prime minister and other top m...

(AP Photo/Sergei Grits, FILE). FILE - In this file photo taken on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speaks to media at a polling station after voting during the presidential election in Minsk, Belarus. Alexander Lukashenk...

MINSK, Belarus (AP) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has fired his Cabinet, emphasizing the need to strengthen the economy to preserve the nation's post-Soviet independence.

Lukashenko said he fired Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov's Cabinet for failing to execute his orders and for paying too little attention to the country's social needs. He appointed banker Sergei Rumas to succeed Kobyakov.

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus with an iron hand for 24 years, maintaining rigid Soviet-style controls over economy and showing little tolerance for dissent or independent media.

He warned Saturday that Belarus will not turn into a "vassal" of its giant neighbor, Russia, even though he underlined the importance of close ties with Moscow.

Belarus has long depended on cheap energy and other subsidies from Russia, which is facing its own economic woes and warned that it would scale down assistance to its ally.

Lukashenko criticized Russia for failing to honor its agreements with Belarus.

"We will never become a vassal to anyone," he said, warning against any attempts to encroach on Belarus' independence.

"We will remain independent for as long as our economy develops as needed," the Belarusian leader said, warning that "we won't be able to maintain our independence if we ruin the economy."

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</s>The shake-up comes days after Lukashenko, who has run Belarus along Soviet-style command lines since 1994, criticised government leaders for their ineffectiveness.

Lukashenko named Sergei Rumas, the head of the country's Development Bank, as new prime minister, the presidential press service said in a statement. Rumas replaces Andrei Kobyakov, who had served as Belarus' prime minister since 2014.

Lukashenko also named four new deputy prime ministers, as well as new ministers of the economy, communications and industry, among other posts.

The 63-year-old leader has heeded some calls from the West to show more leniency towards political opposition, but opponents say their freedom to operate remains severely limited.
Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko reshuffles his government in the wake of a corruption scandal. Andrei Kobyakov is replaced by Sergei Rumas as Prime Minister of Belarus.