Bundestag to debate European prospects for Belarus

October 24, Pozirk. The German parliament will hold a discussion on European prospects for Belarus on November 8, the Bundestag’s press office reported.

German MPs will also vote on the resolution “For a democratic Belarus in the European family,” sponsored by the Social Democratic Party, Alliance 90/The Greens and the Free Democratic Party from the ruling coalition.

A resolution by the opposition Christian Democrats on supporting Belarusians’ aspirations for freedom will also be submitted for vote.

Free Democrats described this resolution as unnecessary in a comment to Pozirk, while the Greens criticized the opposition for drafting a separate resolution instead endorsing the joint one.

In spring, parliamentary committees recommended rejecting it, yet most factions supported it at the January 25 plenary session.

The Christian Democrats’ resolution contains ten demands from the Bundestag to the German government, including targeted sanctions against Belarusian law enforcers, support for victims of politically-motivated persecution as well as political and financial support for the opposition, civil society and independent media.

It also calls for reassuring Belarus of European prospects in the future.

Parliamentary groups of friends of Belarus are also expected to gather on November 8 in Berlin to set up a coalition.