Belarusian Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin introduced the new head to the Finance Ministry staff on 23 January.
On 22 January Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko appointed Vladislav Tatarinovich as Finance Minister. Until now, he had served as Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus.
“Vladislav Vikentyevich [Tatarinovich] requires no special introductions or recommendations before this audience. He worked in the ministry for over 30 years, 15 of which were in the position of Deputy Minister. He was away for two years in the Council of the Republic and is now returning to the Finance Ministry. He is a professional, a specialist of the highest caliber. I believe this will precisely ensure continuity of the decisions and policy pursued by Yuri Mikhailovich [Seliverstov, the former Finance Minister], and the leadership change will be seamless,” Aleksandr Turchin stressed.
The Prime Minister wished the head of the Finance Ministry success in this challenging position. “The post of Finance Minister is a special one. On one hand, we understand that resources are needed for the economy, that we need to develop; on the other hand, we must safeguard state interests. Financial discipline is the key to the successful development of any country,” Aleksandr Turchin said.
The Prime Minister expressed particular gratitude to Yuri Seliverstov, who has been appointed Belarus’ Ambassador to Russia and vested with the powers of Deputy Prime Minister, for his professionalism, dedication, and significant contribution to the development of Belarus’ financial system.
“This is an extremely responsible and very important position. Russia is our strategic ally and partner. A significant portion of our trade is tied to the Russian Federation, and there is a vast number of mutual projects,” said Aleksandr Turchin, expressing confidence that Yuri Seliverstov would have no difficulty in assuming his new duties, as he is well-versed in the negotiation positions and projects. “Relations with Russia are extremely important. There are new challenges that require new solutions and a fresh perspective on many things.”
Aleksandr Turchin wished him success in his new role, calling this period the next step in his career.
For the Finance Ministry, the priority remains unchanged, which is to ensure financial stability. In his response, Vladislav Tatarinovich stated that he knows the staff well, has made an effort to stay informed about the ministry’s activities in recent years, and is committed to collaborating with the Government to accomplish set objectives.
“I clearly understand the tasks currently facing the Finance Ministry: to preserve and continue the work aimed at ensuring the stable execution of budgets at all levels, and to implement the targeted goals and priorities of the five-year social and economic development program. They are clear and understood by everyone,” said Vladislav Tatarinovich.
Special attention will be given to improving tax legislation to fine-tune the revenue collection system and to personnel training.
Yuri Seliverstov, in turn, thanked the staff for their work. He has worked in the ministry for many years in various positions. “I am glad that Vladislav Vikentyevich [Tatarinovich] has been appointed to this position. He is knowledgeable in many areas of the Finance Ministry, and together we can solve many tasks. We will collaborate,” Yuri Seliverstov said.
