Lukashenka Admits Personal Defeat

Fear and resentment are deeply rooted in the dictator's mind.

Opening another station of the capital's subway, the ruler, as usual, went over the thousands of Belarusians who, thanks to his efforts, were forced to leave the country. They say that "our teachers and doctors" are asking to come back, who abroad "are offered either to wash dishes or get out."

These words were heard at the end of 2024, while the problem of mass exodus from the country itself will probably be relevant not only in 2025, but for years to come.

There is as much faith in Lukashenka's words about Belarusians asking to come back as in his promise to ride the subway as an 'ordinary' citizen after retirement.

Yes, there are isolated cases when people do not survive the test of emigration and go back at their own risk. But most of those who left are increasingly thinking about whether it is worth going back at all. Even if the country simply stops jailing for social media likes and subscriptions.

Many have switched to a long-term waiting mode, peering at the unsteady gait and tremors of the one who will soon reappoint himself to the position of the country's leader. And the longer he remains at the helm, the less chance there is of hundreds of thousands of Belarusians returning home.

One characteristic feature is that Lukashenko broadcast his fantasies about people asking to go home to the metro workers. And the reason for this was the memories of the metro workers' strike, which he brutally dispersed at the dawn of his 'presidency'.

Some are still surprised at how deeply Lukashenka's fear and resentment for the events of five years ago have settled in him. Can you imagine how much longer he will remember the 2020 'coup' and the 'fugitives' if he still can't 'turn the page' of August 1995?

And another important point. Speaking about those who left, the ruler was more specific: our teachers and doctors. Not 'drug addicts and prostitutes', not 'sheep' and 'eggheads', but those very 'sovereign's people' from whom the authorities are accustomed to expect anything but protest and disgrace.

This statement is akin to admitting one's personal defeat. Perhaps that is why someone is trying to pass off wishful thinking as reality, drawing in their imagination crowds of the 'disillusioned' and 'repentant'.

Artsiom Sinitsyn, Salidarnasc

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail [email protected]