Viachaslau Pilipuk: If authorities launch rigid control spontaneous protests will follow

But for now individual entrepreneurs are coming back at their working places. According to the entrepreneurial activist, they have also renewed trips to Russia to shop for goods.

The protest of entrepreneurs aimed at the cancellation of the decree, which provides for having accompanying forms for goods, including certificates of consistency, lasted for some days. Minsk didn’t at all support the initiative of the regions; only Vitebsk and Baranovichi clearly expressed their discontent. But even these cities are resuming their work.

Today’s situation with retailers EuroBelarus Information Service discussed with Viachaslau Pilipuk, the representative of the Republican Public Association “Perspective”. Earlier, before the Decree No.222 came into force, the RPA “Perspective” stated that it “won’t make sacrifices”.

- Individual entrepreneurs now are going back to work; the fear that was present at the beginning of July is fading away.

- In June entrepreneurial leaders were forecasting mass withdrawal of individual entrepreneurs. Is it true, and how many people are leaving?

- We don’t have accurate data now, but according to our information, there are many. The catastrophe is postponed, but only until mass controls starts. And test checks are already beginning.

- Recently we were officially informed about the start of mass controls. Are you waiting for them? What is your prognosis?

- As to the development of the situation with the entrepreneurs, it all depends on the actions of the authorities. We have the law, and it has to be observed. If the authorities are expecting that this decree is kept strictly, then, of course, we expect mass demonstrations of entrepreneurs, especially in those parts of the country that have regional leaders, as it was with Baranovichi and Vitebsk. And it is quite possible that these actions will consolidate entrepreneurs at the national level. It is possible if individual entrepreneurs are self-organized and issue statements that would call for common demonstrations across the country. In this case we will be happy to provide every juridical help, information, and support. But let me repeat once again, it all depends on the authorities – if they launch rigid control over small business with the subsequent sanctions, this situation will certainly occur.

- Do you feel the attention on the part of the authorities, or they fully disregard individual entrepreneurs?

- We have grounds to say that the phones of leaders and activists are being eavesdropped; our regional activists are being invited to local KGB departments on the pretext of making analytical notes for the authorities. We think that such invitations are meant to demonstrate that the authorities are aware of the situation and are watching the activists over; and, of course, to scare people. Some activists don’t care about it; but there are people who got frightened with such invitations; and intelligence office expects that.