Contest to choose Belarusian singer for Eurovision rigged
MINSK, 24 February (BelTA) – Results of the contest Eurofest have been rigged. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made the statement at the government session held on 24 February to discuss results of the national musical project Eurofest, BelTA has learned.
Alexander Lukashenko said, dealing with the problem is a matter of fairness. “Fairness is the core of my policy. It is the thing that prevails over all principles that guide economic entities, citizens of our country, civil servants and so on,” reminded the President of Belarus.
Alexander Lukashenko continued: “I asked [OAO Amkodor head] Alexander Shakurin, the Culture Minister and the head of Belarusian State Teleradiocompany to properly organize the process to choose those who can decently represent our country at Eurovision”.
“You worked out criteria, viewers and the judges were supposed to name the winner the way it is done at Eurovision. As a result, things went awry. You have created a stalemate that make you three look bad,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko.
“Two groups that dealt with it upon my instructions have informed me results of the contest have been rigged. We will clarify why and for what purpose, maybe as part of a criminal investigation. Nobody will be pardoned,” said the President.
Alexander Lukashenko was also concerned about the financial side of the problem. Belarusian State Teleradiocompany claims its financial situation is hard. “Nevertheless, you waste billions of rubles on something I cannot understand without approval of my representative,” Alexander Lukashenko told the head of Belarusian State Teleradiocompany.
The President underlined a lesson will be taught to all, who work in education and culture today: “They don’t count money because they don’t earn them”.
