Belarus Potato Price Crisis Sparks Lukashenko's Ire

Potato Prices Soar 10% in Belarus Amidst Lukashenko's Criticism of Officials MINSK, BELARUS – Potato prices in Belarus have skyrocketed by 10%, prompting a sharp rebuke from President Alexander Lukashenko. In a recent government meeting, Lukashenko slammed officials for their failure to ensure sufficient domestic potato production, leading to a heavy reliance on imports. The video shows Lukashenko expressing his frustration, stating, "We cannot produce the necessary amount of potatoes." This shortage has exacerbated the price increase, impacting consumers across the country. Lukashenko also criticized the storage of domestically produced potatoes, suggesting significant losses due to poor management. He implied corruption within the import process, questioning why imported potatoes are favored over domestic ones, even with the price increase. One official, shown in the video, responded defensively, but Lukashenko cut them off, stating, "This is corruption!" The situation highlights challenges in Belarus' agricultural sector and raises concerns about government transparency and accountability. The video's release has sparked public debate on the issue, demanding greater scrutiny of the government's handling of the potato crisis.