The state and government administration in Belarus will be downsized by 25 to 30 percent, President Alexander Lukashenko said on Monday.

“A commission to reform the power bodies is being set up in Belarus,” he said.

“I believe we will have to significantly reduce our state structures - around 25 to 30 percent.”

The commission will be headed by presidential Chief of Staff Andrei Kobyakov, he added.

The cuts will mainly affect “the top,” eliminating superfluous functions and allowing an increase in civil servants’ wages as a result, Lukashenko said.

Wages will also be raised for security, law enforcement and military officers, he added.

At the same time police powers should be expanded with a greater oversight and enforcement role, the president noted.