Lukashenko comments on new role of former agriculture minister

“I have already told you, Igor. If you perceive this as sidelining, it is your problem. You need to go through this stage. And if you immerse yourself entirely in your new role, you will make it, and this will be a very useful personal experience for you. As a scientist and an ideological worker with hands-on experience, you have everything to succeed. Now you need to come down to earth if you want to continue working. You still have a lot of time till retirement. Therefore, you need to get your act together and produce the result. This is my offer to you,” the president said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that he appreciates Igor Brylo's readiness to take up a new job: "You are a soldier and you act like a soldier, and I really appreciate it.”

In his message to Igor Brylo, Aleksandr Lukashenko asked him not to override the governor: “He understands who you are. After all, you are a former minister. He is fully aware of this. But don't put pressure on him; make sure your functions will not overlap. Focus on personnel matters. You are responsible for personnel. I have been told that the person in charge of agriculture in the region [Vitebsk Oblast deputy governor] is really good at his job. Check if this is true. In general, your area of responsibility is personnel matters.”

“If necessary, report directly. You know, I often go there. You can call or make a report at any time. But Vitebsk Oblast should be up to scratch. The situation is not easy. You understand this better than anyone. And you yourself were responsible [for Vitebsk Oblast]. Therefore, it is necessary to work there with full dedication,” the Belarusian leader added.