Lukashenko cuts street lighting

President Alexander Lukashenko reported that on February 1, he signed a decree allowing street lights to be turned off for 10-15 minutes, which, according to him, will result in significant cost savings comparable to the expenses for constructing agro-industrial facilities or increasing pensions. He estimated that the annual savings from reduced lighting would be roughly equivalent to the cost of three dairy complexes and seven calf health centers. In his speech, Lukashenko emphasized that such measures would reduce expenses without compromising public comfort, as major cities like Minsk have additional light sources. The president also noted that state savings from street lighting are 'practically equal' to a 10% increase in pensions. He concluded his statement by thanking the governor of the Minsk region for turning off the lights in the villages around his home.