August 8, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka has told The Time Magazine that he is not planning to run in the next presidential election.
The Belarusian ruler’s press office released the interview today, though the conversation took place on July 25.
“No, I’m not planning it now. I’m not planning it anymore,” Łukašenka said. At the same time, the strongman said that, despite his age, he was in good physical shape.
He also said that his youngest son, Mikałaj Łukašenka, will not run for president either. “No, he is not a successor. I knew you wanted to ask. No, no, no. Ask him—you can offend him with that question,” Łukašenka said.
At the same time, he admitted that the next president of Belarus might pursue a slightly different policy. He advised the next-in-line not to dismantle everything immediately but rather to follow his example: rely on strong people and develop the country in an evolutionary way, without revolutions. However, if the future leader can convince society that a different direction is needed, then so be it, Łukašenka added.
His seventh term started with his inauguration on March 25, 2025.
That was not the first time Łukašenka claimed that he would not run for another presidential term. For example, on March 5 last year, he claimed that he had not made a “final decision” the 2025 election.
