Lukashenko: Education will be regulated in national interests

The head of state commented on the introduction of licensing for additional education for children and youth. According to him, the state has been fine-tuning regulation of the sector for several years, 'not tightening screws,' as unscrupulous media or pseudo-experts who fled abroad sometimes try to portray it. The main requirement is to protect children from 'all sorts of fraudsters' and ensure equal conditions for state and private organizations. Education, he emphasized, is a state-forming sphere, and therefore will be regulated in line with national interests, 'no matter how much someone dislikes it.' Lukashenko ordered a report on how licensing is already working, whether order has been established, and what measures will prevent excessive strain on the sector and society. Licensing criteria, he said, must be clear and understandable to all, and 'a full stop must be put' on this issue.