Natalya Kochanova unanimously elected Chairperson of Council of the Republic of the eighth convocation

Natalya Kochanova has been elected Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus of the eighth convocation by secret ballot: 58 out of fifty-eight elected and appointed members of the Upper House of the Belarusian Parliament voted for her candidacy

During the presentation of proposals for the candidacy of the Speaker, member of the Council of the Republic Mikhail Rusy described Natalya Kochanova as a person of not only words but deeds. “By heading the Council of the Republic, she raised the importance of the Upper House of Parliament to a new high level – in terms of the effectiveness of decision-making and co-operation of members of the Council of the Republic with local authorities to address pressing issues. In a short time, she also managed to give a strong impetus to the women's movement development in Belarus and work with young people. I am sure that Natalya Ivanovna will ensure the fulfilment of the requirements that the President and the people will set for us,” he said.

Before the voting procedure, Natalya Kochanova assured the senators, “If I am entrusted to head the Council of the Republic of the eighth convocation, I will make every effort, knowledge and experience to ensure that this work is effective and goes for the benefit of our people and our country. At the meeting of the President with parliamentarians of the seventh convocation, he highly appreciated our work – so we must not work below this level. We should continue working in the established way, multiplying the achievements that our colleagues from previous convocations have left for us.”