Lukashenko stressed importance of monuments

During a meeting with the governor of Kirov Oblast, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that all monuments in Belarus are preserved and maintained, even in the city center. According to the president, 'monuments have never been destroyed because they were created by people who thought differently than those living here now.' He noted that, as the country's first leader, 'we treat historical memory with great care.' He said that Belarus has more monuments per square meter than many countries, and 'we take care of them and they are properly maintained.' Lukashenko also added, 'if you cannot take care of a monument, you shouldn't create them,' stressing responsibility for preserving cultural heritage.

During the conversation, the president noted that he often tells Russians that in Belarus there is no monument that isn't cared for by schoolchildren, adults, residents of large cities, etc., and expressed pride that the country's historical memory is being preserved.

Context

These positions align with the president's overall policy on preserving cultural heritage in Belarus.