Kochanova commented on Belarus’ national idea

The national idea is not a treatise: it should be short and clearly worded – as stated by the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic, Natalya Kochanova, while answering questions from members of the Youth Parliament about the need to document the national idea of Belarus

Ms. Kochanova explained, “[This could be] for example, independence and prosperity – as the Belarusian People's Congress slogan reads, or something similar. Actually, if we start describing the national idea from the times of the Principality of Polotsk and end with modernity, then it will be history. We have been thinking for a long time about whether we need it in this form. I think it should be expressed as a motto: laconically and clearly. For myself, I outlined it a long time ago – based on the President’s statements: people and a fair attitude towards them are the basis. These are the theses of our Head of State, and it is hardly possible to propose something better.”

The Chairperson of the Council of the Republic added that there should be justice in everything: in making decisions regarding a doctor, a teacher, a shop assistant… Anyone.

“As such, we do not have a formulated national idea, it's true,” Mr. Kochanova noted. “Moreover, I do not think that if we formulate it, then tomorrow our opponents will say: well, listen, it is great. No. We must work it out for ourselves.”