Lukashenko Declares He Will Not Seek Another Presidential Term

Politics

Lukashenko Declares He Will Not Seek Another Presidential Term

3 months ago

News sources:

TRTGLOBAL

REUTERS

ALJAZEERA

SCMP

Lukashenko Declares He Will Not Seek Another Presidential Term

Credited from: ALJAZEERA

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko states he will not seek re-election.
Lukashenko asserts he is not grooming his son, Nikolai, as a successor.
He reveals he felt public pressure not to resign during the 2020 elections.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has held power since 1994, recently declared that he will not pursue another term in office, ending speculation around his presidential future. He stated in a video interview with TIME magazine that he "does not intend to do that" regarding future elections, emphasizing his commitment to the country's stability during the transition of power, according to aa, trtglobal, and scmp.

In discussing potential successors, Lukashenko dismissed rumors that his son, Nikolai, is preparing to take over, saying, "No, he is not a successor" and quipping that asking Nikolai about it may hurt his feelings. He also remarked that anyone who succeeds him should "not break anything right away" to ensure continued development and avoid "revolutionary breakdown," according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Lukashenko noted he was initially prepared to step down during the controversial 2020 elections but chose to remain in response to public sentiment, which he felt framed his stepping down as betrayal. His statement came amid ongoing scrutiny of his government's human rights record, including the jailing of opposition figures and political prisoners, according to aa and Al Jazeera.