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Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, who has held power since 1994, announced that he will not seek another term, putting to rest rumours about a possible attempt to prolong his nearly thirty-year rule.
In an interview with Time magazine, segments of which were broadcast on Belarusian state television on Friday, Lukashenko said he was prepared to resign even during the contentious 2020 election, but chose to remain in office due to public sentiment suggesting that stepping down would be seen as a betrayal.
“Honestly speaking, for the second time in my life, I was already prepared to step down during the previous elections,” Lukashenko said. “But they said – no, we are not ready. And it was framed as if I were a traitor who wanted to flee. So I had to stay.”
He also dismissed the idea that his son, Nikolai Lukashenko, is being prepared as his successor.
“No, he is not a successor. I knew you would ask about this,” Lukashenko said, adding, “Ask him yourself, you might hurt his feelings.”
Lukashenko described his son’s views as a bit oppositional but stressed that he continues to be supportive and insightful concerning state issues.
