Updated at 17:53,27-03-2024

Belarus requires the idle to pay for not working

RFE/RL based on reporting by AP

A new measure adopted by Belarus says people who work less than half the year will have to pay the government for their idleness.

The Belarusian parliament on May 6 passed the proposal by authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. It requires work-capable people who work less than 183 days a year to pay an annual fine of $250.

Disabled people, pensioners, and people with young children are exempt.

A statement from the parliament, where the measure passed by a vote of 100-2, said "it's necessary to stimulate citizens who are capable of work and ensure they fulfill their constitutional obligation to take part in financing state expenditures."

Labor Minister Marianna Shchetkina told the parliament the measure would be temporary.