On November 5, during her visit to Romania, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the Timișoara Forum for European Values. The forum brings together European politicians, diplomats, experts, and civil society representatives to discuss protecting democracy, European security, Russian interference, and the future of Europe.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya spoke at a panel discussion titled “Democracies Endure When People Choose to Defend Them”. The discussion also featured former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt and was moderated by Timișoara Mayor Dominic Fritz.
In her remarks, the Belarusian leader addressed political repression, exile, and Belarusians’ fight for democratic change. She emphasized the role of young people in defending democracy:
“In democratic countries, you have all the opportunities and tools to make the world a better place without risking your freedom. Under dictatorships, people are detained for their political activism, their property is confiscated, and they are forced into exile. But despite all these risks, people continue to fight for democracy.
So do not be afraid — just as your ancestors in this wonderful city were not afraid. Take an interest in what is happening in the world. Do not limit yourselves to your own lives. Do not turn away from other people’s pain and injustice. These are the things that shape you into people who care, who can empathize with others, and who can change the world”.
