Aliaksandr Milinkievich: Supporting Russia’s Automotive Industry with Belarusians’ Money is Cynical

“The authorities say we need to block the import of old automobiles lest Belarus becomes the junk yard of old motor cars. However, no one in Belarus voluntarily refuses to buy the European “junk” in favor of the new production of Avtovaz (a Russian motor car manufacturer). Customs duties for new motor cars are also highly overvalued. In some cases, the duty will increase almost tenfold. This shows the real purpose of the customs policy − namely, protection of Russian motor car manufacturers. The Belarusian authorities’ consent to the new customs duties demonstrates their cynical attitude towards the interests of own citizens”, underlines Aliaksandr Milinkievich.

The Movement for Freedom (the MFF) leader thinks that motor cars – which long ago ceased to be a luxury and became an everyday necessity – will become more expensive. Belarusians are offered to buy low-grade, outdated, and rather expensive Russian motor cars. This would give no benefits to the Belarusian industry.

“If Belarus had good and consistent relations with the EU countries, assembly of popular motor car models would have started long ago in our country, and customs duties for new European motor cars would have been very low. The case with motor cars duties is one of the numerous examples showing that the attempts to create a united customs space with the post-Soviet countries are completely inadequate for the Belarusian national interests”, Aliaksandr Milinkievich sums up.

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