Belarusians angered 'parasite load '

minsk - Thousands of Belarusians have taken to the streets this weekend to protest against a tax for people who work too little. People who spend less than 183 days a year on the job, must pay a fee of the equivalent of 234 euros.

Many Belarusians are outraged at the charge, known popularly as 'tax for social parasites.' In several places people made their displeasure clear. Especially the elderly and middle-aged people are angry because they feel that there is not enough work for them.

Some 2,000 people participated last month participated in a rally in the capital Minsk. That was the largest demonstration in years. President Alexander Lukashenko promised Thursday that the collection of the tax is suspended can be adjusted to the law from 2015. Yet people then again took to the streets.

Belarusians who are officially registered as unemployed, do not have to pay the levy. They have to perform community work.