Aleksandr Lukashenko makes personnel decisions

The head of state has approved the appointment of:

Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Shundrik as Head of the Main Directorate of Personnel Policy of the Belarus President Administration;

Ruslan Viktorovich Parkhamovich as Chairman of the Gomel City Executive Committee;

Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Veremeyev as Chairman of the Mozyr District Executive Committee;

Aleksandr Viktorovich Sakovich as Director General of OAO Belarusian Steel Works (BSW) — the management company of the holding company Belarusian Metallurgical Company;

Yuri Maryanovich Aleksei as a member of the Grodno Oblast Executive Committee;

Vladimir Vladimirovich Matusevich as Deputy Head of the Main Directorate for Supporting the Operation of Commissions of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State of Belarus and Russia.

Until now, Ruslan Parkhamovich served as Belarusian President’s Aide - Inspector for Gomel Oblast. Previously, he headed the Architecture and Construction Ministry.

Aleksandr Lukashenko praised the new Gomel mayor’s extensive experience. “The experience is extensive, very extensive. He was a member of the government, worked with personnel. I think he will be a great support for Ivan Ivanovich [Krupko, Gomel Oblast Governor],” the President said.

The President asked Ruslan Parkhamovich why he had made this decision for himself and agreed to take the position. “I am more inclined toward practical work. I have tried myself in different capacities. But working ‘in the field’ is probably more comfortable for me. I am quite deeply immersed in the situation in the second largest city in our country. I see that there are prospects for the city. We need to focus on housing and utilities, on construction. We also need to work on healthcare and education. There are anchor points. The city has plenty of reserves,” the newly appointed mayor replied.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that Gomel is truly the country’s largest city after the capital, Minsk. “It’s a beautiful city. A lot has been done lately to make it look good. There’s plenty of water. The people there are wonderful. In Gomel and Gomel Oblast, the people are generally wonderful. So it’s a place where you can get things done. I really hope that with the new mayor of Gomel coming in, things will start moving in the right direction. You already have solid experience. So I really want this to work out. Only forward,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko has approved the appointment of Aleksandr Sakovich as Director General of Belarusian steel mill BMZ.

The head of state asked about the situation at the enterprises that make up the holding. In addition to BMZ itself, these include Minsk Bearing Plant, Polesieelektromash, Mogilev Metallurgical Plant, the Kobrin Tool Plant SITOMO, and the Paporotnoye-Agro branch. “Are they all functioning normally? Are they operating, or are there problems?” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked.

“They are all operating, but there are a number of issues that will need to be addressed,” Aleksandr Sakovich replied.

Head of the Belarus President Administration Dmitry Krutoi added that the situation at BMZ itself also requires attention. Relevant issues were recently discussed at an executive committee meeting. A decline in production volumes has been noted, and for several reasons, management decisions had to be taken.

“You understand that there will be no leniency here. All the more so, you were a government department head [Aleksandr Sakovich previously served as Head of the Industrial Policy Department of the Council of Ministers’ Office]. Meaning you were also responsible for this area. And our steel plant, BMZ, is a very serious enterprise. By the way, it was far from the worst. So you must produce and sell,” the Belarusian leader said. “There should be no excuses. You come in as a man and start working. That is your responsibility to whom you work with and how.”

Dmitry Krutoi recalled that Aleksandr Sakovich had earlier served as deputy head of BMZ, and therefore is well familiar with the specifics of the enterprise.

Aleksandr Lukashenko has also approved the appointment of Aleksandr Veremeyev as Chairman of the Mozyr District Executive Committee.

“Can you handle such a promotion?” the head of state asked.

“Yes, Comrade President,” Aleksandr Veremeyev replied.

“Because you’ve been climbing that career ladder pretty fast lately. But you have earned it. I don’t think I’m mistaken, Dmitry Nikolayevich [Krutoi], you have looked into this, haven’t you?” Aleksandr Lukashenko addressed Head of the Belarus President Administration Dmitry Krutoi.

“Of course, Comrade President,” the head of the Administration confirmed.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted the leadership qualities of Aleksandr Veremeyev, who has headed Petrikov District until now and previously worked in agriculture: “Even in a short span, just two or three years in a role, he would always dive deep and get to the bottom of things. Most importantly, you have experience of working at good enterprises. In agriculture, it is Polesie Agroinvest. It was already a good enterprise, but it really gained momentum when you were in charge. What wins me over is that you looked deep into production. You are a methodical person. At least, I saw and felt that when you were in Petrikov District.”

At the same time, the President pointed out the unique character of Mozyr District and its considerable size. “It’s a massive district with a huge industrial base. You will have to deal with industrial enterprises as well. Even if some are under national jurisdiction, there are no outsiders there. They will all be your responsibility. I truly hope that your character, that Polesian, stubbornness will help us perform as we should, even at the national level,” the head of state said.