Kochanova: only strong nation can live and develop freely, so Belarusians need to be even stronger

The centuries-old glorious history of the Belarusian statehood has repeatedly confirmed that the strength of the people lies in unity. It is thanks to unity, steadfastness of spirit and selfless love for their native land, despite all the trials and difficulties, under the wise leadership of our President, Aleksandr Grigoryevich Lukashenko, Belarusians managed to create their own state in a relatively short period of time: strong, sovereign and independent Belarus – as noted by Natalya Kochanova, the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the eighth convocation, during the opening of the second session.

The Speaker stressed the symbolism that the beginning of the second session of the Council of the Republic coincided with an important public holiday in our country: National Unity Day.

“The current period is marked for us by a range of important events in the fate of the Belarusian people and our country. A single voting day was held for the first time, during which deputies of all levels were elected. The first meeting of the 7th Belarusian People’s Congress in its new constitutional status was successfully held. Our President was elected Chairman of this supreme representative body of the people’s power of the Republic of Belarus, and all members of the Council of the Republic became its delegates. This year, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazi invaders and the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus and the institution of the presidency. In addition, we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Creation of the Union State. We have these all events in the year declared as the Year of Quality in Belarus, which determines the direction of our work in the upcoming session and absolutely corresponds to the general spirit of political, state and public activities in our country,” the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic stressed.

Natalya Kochanova reminded that very soon, parliamentarians will have to sum up the results of Belarus’ socio-economic development and elaborate a new development strategy for the next five years. She also noted that the presidential election will be the final stage of a large electoral cycle, completing the formation of an updated political system of our state in line with the nationally adopted amendments and additions to the Constitution of Belarus.

“In 2025, we will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. Undoubtedly, only a strong nation can afford to live and develop freely. In order to maintain this status, Belarusians need to become even stronger. As our President noted: ‘The time of the strong is coming. Not aggressively strong, but strong in spirit. Real power is measured by the desire to become better, to make the world a better place, to accept its national, religious, and ideological diversity, and to help those who are weaker’. And this is our time! Time has chosen us!” Natalya Kochanova summed up.