On March 1, Belarusian president Alyaksandr Lukashenka will meet with experts and foreign journalists. More than 200 persons are expected to participate in the so-called Big Conversation With President in Minsk. However, one can attend the ‘big’ event only by invitation. Belsat TV made an application, but there is no answer.
State-run news agency BelTA is challenging people to send their questions to the Belarusian leader promising that most of them will be answered. Not waiting for Friday, Belsat TV has learned what residents of Homiel would like to ask Lukashenka about:
According to independent experts, regular addresses to the nation fall into the pattern of populist regimes. But does Lukashenka give ear to ordinary citizens? A Belsat crew did a man-on-the-street interview in Minsk:
“Perhaps, he pays atention to what people say, but frankly speaking, there is no effect.”
“I doubt that, because he is now like a Sultan.”
“He gives ear, but does things in his own way.”
In every democratic country, politicians give reports on their activities to parliament, media, voters.
“For 25 years, our president has never reported on his work. He holds many meetings, they are televised, etc. But all his appearances and conversations turn into sort of showcasing and zombieing people,” Belarusian philosopher and methodologist Uladzimir Matskevich stressed.
Such form of communication is quite typical of authoritarian leaders, the experts believe. However, in the era of the Internet and social media, its effectiveness is at least questionable.
Belsat.eu
