BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

05/11/2007

Belarusian Opposition Holds 'Social March' In Minsk

Around 1,000 people took part in the so-called Social March, organized by the Belarusian opposition, on November 4 in Minsk, Belapan reported. The participants protested against government plans to abolish the current state benefits and privileges received by certain categories of people, including retirees, people with some disabilities, Chernobyl cleanup veterans, blood donors, and students. Under a new law that will come into force on December 17, some beneficiaries will lose the benefit of paying half-fare on public transportation. The demonstrators adopted a resolution demanding that that legislation be repealed, along with President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's decree barring small-business owners from hiring employees other than three family members. The resolution also called for the government to convene a "public council" for representatives of political parties, independent trade unions, and nongovernmental organizations to discuss the government's economic and social policies. AM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2007/11/3-cee/cee-051107.asp