The Belarusian opposition is the enemy of the people, President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday.

"They are not even an opposition. They are the enemies of the people," he said, adding that the opposition was always trying to undermine the country by siding with Belarus's enemies.

The Belarusian parliament has set presidential elections for December 19. Lukashenko earlier hinted that he would take part in the elections, but has so far made no official statement on the matter.

Lukashenko dismissed his opponents' accusations that he was pursuing populist politics.

"The people do not think they are being bought over. I do not need the presidency if people think they are being wooed," he said.

He also expressed optimism in Belarus' future.

"In the next five years we will raise GDP by almost 70 percent, increase the number of jobs by more than one-third, and ensure a drastic growth in productivity," Lukashenko said.

MINSK, September 16 (RIA Novosti)