On Wednesday, February 9, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her Representative on Economic Reforms Aleś Alaсhnovič held an open call forum to discuss: “Prices, salaries, and welfare of Belarusians.” Here is what ordinary Belarusians shаred with Ms. Tsikhanouskaya.
On price increases
- “The availability of European products in stores has significantly decreased. Instead, there are more Russian products, "cheese-based" ones, than cheese”.
- “Fruits and vegetables have seen the greatest price increase of all. At the same time, you can't find Polish, European ones on the shelves”.
- “Prices have risen sharply even for building materials. Buildings are now rarely repaired, and construction has almost come to a halt. Foreign building materials are banned, while Belarusian materials are not all of good quality”.
Food expenses: 2022 vs. 2020
- “We used to spend 150-160 ($60) rubles a week, now it's 200-220 ($85)”.
- “A year and a half ago, 500 rubles ($200) could last a month, now it’s not enough at all”.
- “I work in a grocery store. Prices have been rising for the umpteenth time, the store constantly updates the shelf tags. People couldn't be more outraged”.
On salaries and pensions
- People named different salaries: some earn 400 rubles ($160), others 600 to 700 ($250), in industry 1400-1600 ($590), in healthcare – from 600 rubles ($235).
- They also shared the pensions of their family members – 400 to 600 rubles ($200 on average): “I have to support my parents”.
- “I don't earn enough to make savings. Lots of people have to spend the savings they have. In the stores, many people apply for discounts for socially significant goods”.
At the end of the call, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked Belarusians for joining the conversation. She added: “There is an expression – “We were never rich, and we don't need to be”. But we must change this mindset. We are a wonderful nation of decent people, and we must live a wealthier and better life. It is possible when the state takes care of people”.
Aleś Alaсhnovič, on behalf of the democratic forces, shared the vision for the economic reforms that are intended to solve the economic crisis in Belarus. Read more on that.
