Alexander Lukashenko: Corruption is the rust of Belarusian economy

A big meeting with the leadership of the Council of Ministers has been held at the Palace of Independence. A number of important issues concerning the economy of our country are on the agenda. But first, Alexander Lukashenko commented on the high-profile corruption arrests at the Belarusian Railroad.

The day before, it became known that one of the top managers of the Belarusian Railroad was detained for bribes on a large scale. During searches, over $3 million was found in his hiding places.

"I am sure that there are people at this table who have heard the phrase from me not for the first time: It is better to be poor and penniless in freedom than rich in prison. This phrase is widely spread among the people in our state," the head of state said.

"As you understand, I did not say it in vain. And I would very much not want to be reproached or reminded once again that before or during an election cycle I am getting on an anti-corruption horse. However, smart journalists have long noticed that Lukashenko has been sitting on it for 30 years," the President emphasized.

Alexander Lukashenko reminded that it was he who headed the first anti-corruption commission in the history of the country. "And I have not forgotten where I came from. I have seen all this injustice. Corruption is the rust of our economy."