English

Former National Bank head named deputy prime minister

Alyaksandr Lukashenka, by his January 18 edict, appointed Pyotr Prakapovich to the position of deputy prime minister.

The edict also relieved Mr. Prakapovich of the duties of presidential aide, according to the Belarusian leader's press office.

Mr. Prakapovich, who had served as a presidential aide since August 2012, will be responsible for ensuring that key economic targets are met and for overseeing the implementation of the national budget and efforts to modernize the Belarusian economy, said the press office.

Pyotr Prakapovich, now 70, was dismissed as head of the National Bank of Belarus in July 2011, amid an acute shortage of foreign exchange and soaring inflation.

The dismissal came a month after the ailing Prakapovich de facto quit his job.

Speaking to reporters in June 2011, Mr. Lukashenka revealed that Mr. Prakapovich "will not return to the National Bank."

"Both he and the government made mistakes, and I should acknowledge that," he said, commenting on the performance of Mr. Prakapovich.

Mr. Prakapovich was appointed as head of the National Bank in 1998. In January 2011, Mr. Lukashenka extended his term in office until December 31, 2015.

Born in the village of Rowna, Pruzhany district, Brest region, Mr. Prakapovich was awarded the title of Hero of Belarus in March 2006. He also holds the title of Honorary Construction Worker of the Republic of Belarus. BelaPAN