Belarus’ government will pick citizens’ pockets to finance elections

The draft law on the national budget for 2015 envisages an increase in income tax from 12% to 13%, as well as some other duties and excise taxes.

The Belarusian authorities have been prompted to pick the pockets of some citizen groups in order to buy the loyalty of others during the election campaign in 2015. However, due to the lack of funds, the government will continue to reduce social benefits in education, health, and housing. It will also introduce new taxes or increase existing ones in order to obtain funding for some priority projects and initiatives at a national level.