(Moscow) “We also know how to cut bread in half”: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko mocked Friday the departure of the American fast food group McDonald’s from his country where it will be replaced by a Russian brand.
From November 22, the McDonald’s of Belarus will operate under the name of Vkousno i Tochka (Delicious. Point), the Russian chain which took over the restaurants of the American group in Russia. No explanation was given.
“Thank God he’s gone!” “, reacted Friday Mr. Lukashenko, during a meeting with employees of the agri-food sector. “We have to do ourselves what this McDonald’s used to do,” he said.
“We also know how to cut bread in half and put a piece of meat, fries and salad in it,” assured the Belarusian president.
PHOTO DIDOR SADULLOEV, REUTERS ARCHIVES
Alexander Lukashenko
The KSB Victory restaurants franchise, which operates McDonald’s restaurants in Belarus, announced on November 11 that they would soon change their name to be renamed Vkousno i Totchka as in Russia.
The first restaurants of this brand had opened their doors in Russia on June 12, replacing McDonald’s which left the country in reaction to the Russian offensive against Ukraine on February 24.
Dozens of other Western brands have done the same, such as Coca-Cola or H&M and IKEA.
Belarus is Russia’s only ally in this conflict, notably lending its territory to the Russian army to allow an ultimately failed assault on Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.