Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday suspended a "tax on spongers" for this year after thousands took to the streets in protest. Some 2,000 people took part in a protest last month, the largest since 2010, against an annual tax of around $200 imposed on those who work less than six months a year, which quickly became known as the "tax on freeloaders".
Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, said nonetheless that the tax, which he introduced by decree in 2015 to prevent what he called "social parasitism", would not be repealed. "In March, if necessary, we can adjust the decree," the Belta news agency quoted Lukashenko as saying. "But the decree will not be cancelled."
The move, which is being interpreted as a rare concession to protestors, came as opposition leaders demanded that the tax be scrapped. Demonstrators said last month that they would return to the streets if Lukashenko did not take "real steps to fulfil the people's will" by March 17.
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