Europe's last dictator, as called Alexander Lukashenko, is preparing for his political (perhaps physical) end.
The president of Belarus told his people that they should get used to the idea that he is “not immortal”, writes Newsweek. Lukashenko, 69, appears to be hinting at a possible retirement after marking three decades in power last month.
The president of Belarus, who is Vladimir Putin's staunchest European ally, made some eloquent comments, telling people that they “have to get used to the idea that there will be a different president”.
Lukashenko said this in response to a question about whether he intends to run for office in the upcoming 2025 presidential elections in the country. Lukashenko was elected president in 1994 in the first elections held in independent Belarus. On July 20, he celebrated 30 years in power. The next presidential election in Belarus must be held no later than July 20, 2025.
„No, I am not saying that I will abandon you tomorrow or the day after. But anything can happen in life. You have to get used to the fact that I am not eternal and neither are any of you,”, the leader declared. He added that before resigning from office, he must leave the country “peaceful and calm”.
„My main task is to prevent conflict in the country. So that this infection does not spread in our country. We must protect Belarus from war and calmly solve our problems," Lukashenko added. He did not explain why he then allowed the Russian army to use the territory of Belarus to start a full-scale war in February 2022.
Dictator Lukashenko's rule will be remembered for massive repression against the population of Belarus and anyone who disagrees with Minsk's policies. Belarus, a former Soviet republic, maintains strong relations with Russia. And although Lukashenko has not sent his soldiers against Ukraine, he openly supports Putin's military aggression.