Łukašenka appoints new PM, central bank head

March 10, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka has appointed Alaksandar Turčyn as prime minister, naming his predecessor Raman Hałoŭčanka as head of the National Bank of Belarus, Pul Pervogo, his press office’s unofficial Telegram channel reports.

Turčyn, 49, headed the Minsk Regional Executive Committee since December 2019 and served as deputy prime minister prior to the promotion. In the past, he was also in charge of the Business Council at Łukašenka’s administration.

Belarusian MPs reportedly confirmed Turčyn’s appointment before the announcement.

Hałoŭčanka always wanted to be more involved with the central bank and the banking system, Łukašenka said, commenting on the dismissal of Kałaur, a career banker who had served as the central bank’s head since late 2014.

Both Turčyn and Hałoŭčanka should “find common ground and finally resolve some issues . . . in the economy regarding finances,” the Belarusian ruler said.

The new appointments are part of a standard procedure after the presidential election that was held in late January and extended Łukašenka’s rule.

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Łukašenka reappoints cabinet, prime minister’s position in doubt

On March 3, Alaksandar Łukašenka appointed ministers to the cabinet following his stage-managed “re-election” in January. However, it remains unclear whether Raman Hałoŭčanka will retain his position as prime minister. Uncertainty over premier Hałoŭčanka, who has led the cabinet for …

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