Lukashenko visited a hospital in Minsk on Friday and talked about the work of doctors in managing coronavirus infection. On that occasion, he emphasized that he was convinced of the need to adjust the powers of the President. “I do not make any constitution for myself. I will no longer work with your new constitution as your president, “he said.
He justified the need for changes in the constitution by saying that the president has too great powers. “God forbid, a man will come and want to start a war,” he shared his concerns. He did not elaborate on what the new division of power should look like. He also did not mention whether, for example, he would lead a body that would strengthen the state structure. He also did not comment on the possible connection with Russian pressure to bring the two countries closer together, which are already formally operating in a single federal state.
Opponents of the regime have held regular protests since the disputed 9 August presidential election. They accuse Lukashenko of falsifying the results in order to stay in power. They also criticize the fact that the main opposition candidates were not allowed to vote. They also want to punish police violence immediately after the elections and release political prisoners.
Lukashenko, who has ruled the country for 26 years, denies falsifying the election and refuses to resign. Police officers have detained more than 19,000 people since the protests began. Thousands were beaten, several people were killed in action.
– .