Nationwide subbotnik held in Belarus

Nationwide subbotnik (voluntary labour day) is taking place today in Belarus, and the accumulate proceeds will be used to modernise the Khatyn Memorial Complex

Today’s subbotnik has a special significance for the country. Unfortunately, the modern global events demonstrate that neo-Nazi ideology is being revived in some states, symbols of the Great Victory are being erased from history, while the latter if being rewritten and monuments to Soviet soldiers are being destroyed... It is impossible to imagine such a situation in Belarus. Millions of Belarusian will come out to work all over the country today to prove once again: our strength is in unity, we remember and honour our history! All the accumulated proceeds will be used to modernise the Khatyn Memorial Complex.

Interesting data about subbotniks of different periods have been preserved. For example, 25,000 Minskers came out to clear the rubble during the Great Patriotic War, on July 9th, 1944. The capital was then literally in ruins… Perhaps, while remembering the feat of those heroic people, we should now work for the good of the country with a special mood.

Belarus’ top officials do not traditionally stand aside. Back in 1996, President Aleksandr Lukashenko, the Prime Minister, the Head of the President Administration, and members of the Government took part in the subbotnik… Then they mixed concrete, levelled floors, laid waterproofing for construction of the Partizanskaya metro station. Since then, the country's leaders have been working annually at iconic sites throughout Belarus – showing a personal example to all citizens.

Last year, 2.3m Belarusians participated in the subbotnik – to earn more than Br9m. Half of the funds were directed to strengthen the base of medical institutions, purchase medical equipment and COVID-19 vaccines.