Belarus imposes ‘social parasite’ tax on the poor

[link to nypost.com]

A European nation has hit upon a novel idea to reduce poverty: Fine people for being poor.

Belarus, which lies between Russia and Poland and was formerly part of the Soviet Union, plans to introduce a “social parasites” tax on the unemployed.

Unlike in many Western nations, where the government helps the unemployed, in Belarus, the long-term unemployed will have to pay the government.

The country’s president, Alexander Lukashenko, has said the $233 levy — around a month’s wages in Belarus — will “instill discipline in the work-shy,” according to the BBC.
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Alexander Lukashenko (right) with Vladimir Putin in 2006.Getty Images

Some Belarussians have taken to the streets, saying it’s a step too far by Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994.

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