Belarusian government raised utility tariffs for population to acceptable level

The Belarusian president has approved the maximum allowable tariffs (rates) in 2016 for 14 types of utility services. As expected, the authorities have only slightly reduced utility and communal services tariffs. However, in order to relieve tension in society, the authorities have extended the deadline for making the utility services payments without incurring penalties and interest. The Belarusian leadership has long worked out and used an algorithm enabling to introduce unpopular measures and reduce social protection without creating tension in society. Initially, they introduce or declare a significant increase in taxes or payments for services provided by the state, and then they slightly reduce them. Such a gradual reduction of social guarantees is unlikely to create social tension in society, and the state will readjust it, depending on the people’s reaction.

Image: Volha Shukaila, TUT.BY