Cichanoŭskaja says ready to assume power amid rumors of Łukašenka’s poor health

May 10, BPN. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja has said she is ready to assume responsibility and be the voice of Belarusians “in order to hold fair elections and prevent chaos or a power grab by a new dictator.” This comes amid rumors that Alaksandr Łukašenka’s health has deteriorated.

Celebrations would be followed by a “difficult time” after Łukašenka goes, she wrote on Telegram. “The entire nation would have to make a serious effort to rebuild everything that was ruined over these years and, most importantly, to prevent the coming of another dictator or a Russian protégé and to safeguard independence.”

The democratic forces have already drafted a strategy for the transition period, which would be published after debate, she added.

Łukašenka attended the Victory Day parade at Moscow’s Red Square on May 9. Footage circulated by the Russian media shows that his arm was bandaged. It was difficult for him to move around. He was driven to a wreaths laying site, whereas the other Eurasian leaders arrived on foot, and skipped the “informal breakfast” hosted by Vladimir Putin.

In the evening, Łukašenka participated in a wreaths laying ceremony at Victory Square in Minsk but stopped short of making a speech, which was unusual and occurred for the first time during his rule. Defense Minister Viktar Chrenin was the primary speaker. The ceremony, broadcast by state television, lasted just 20 minutes.