2025 SHAM ELECTION
The democratic forces continue preparations for the so-called ‘election’ in 2025. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Chief Advisor, Franak Viacorka, addressed Belarusians regarding the campaign this week: “Let’s be honest – this is not a real election. The alternative candidates are members of Lukashenka’s fan club, conditions for observation and voting are nonexistent, and civil society has been nearly destroyed”. In his video message, he also outlined steps Belarusians could take to resist the regime.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement declaring that Estonia will not recognize the 2025 sham election in Belarus.
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, raised the issue of Belarus’ 2025 presidential election with EU leaders at the European Council meeting: “The so-called presidential election scheduled for the 26th of January will again expose the lack of freedom and democracy in the country. It will be an important moment when people will turn their eyes to Europe. And when they do, they deserve to see real European leadership, real decisions, and real actions.”.
On January 26, 2025, the Free Belarusians Congress “Belarusians Deserve Better” will take place in Warsaw. Applications to participate can be submitted online.
“THIS IS YOUTH”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, launched “This Is Youth”, a platform where young people can ask pressing questions and receive answers.
STATEMENT FROM THE US SENATE
The Chair of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ben Cardin, along with European colleagues, issued a joint statement in support of Ukraine, the democratic forces of Belarus, and the Georgian people in their fight against authoritarianism.
The signatories include:
- Peeter Tali, Chair of the EU Affairs Committee, Riigikogu, Estonia
- Lia Quartapelle, Vice-Chair of the Foreign and European Community Affairs Committee, Chamber of Deputies, Italy
- Ruslanas Baranovas, Deputy Chair of the European Affairs Committee, Seimas, Lithuania
- Žygimantas Pavilionis, Deputy Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Seimas, Lithuania
- Radosław Fogiel, Deputy Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Sejm, Poland
- Carlos Rojas García, Vice-President of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Congress of Deputies, Spain
- Oleksandr Merezhko, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine
The statement calls for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, rejecting the fraudulent election in Belarus, and backing Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
BELARUSIAN VOLUNTEER FIGHTERS IN POLAND
On December 19, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor for Constitutional Reform and Interparliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka, met with the Deputy Marshal of the Polish Senate, Michał Kamiński, and the Head of the Association of Belarusian Veterans, Pavel Maryeuski. The discussion focused on the challenges faced by Belarusian volunteer fighters.
INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY
On December 18, International Migrants Day, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians: “I would like to give my support to all those who have lost their homeland because of repression and their fight against dictatorship. Life in exile can be lonely, but… We have each other. My favorite moments in exile are when I get to see you, hug you and share kind words”.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR BELARUSIANS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, commented on the difficulties of higher education in Belarus and educational opportunities abroad: “The situation with education in Belarus is becoming increasingly repressive. The regime seeks to suppress independent thinking, forcing many talented and motivated students and educators to either abandon their studies or look for opportunities abroad”.
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN SOLIDARITY DAY
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya made an address on International Human Solidarity Day, celebrated on December 20: “In times of crisis, we see how much solidarity Belarusians have. How you, my dear ones, come to each other’s aid in difficult situations is inspiring and moving. It motivates us to keep working no matter how hard it gets”.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR BELARUSIANS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office compiled a list of organizations and initiatives that Belarusians can turn to for financial assistance.
MEDIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was featured this week in reports by DW Belarus (YouTube, dw.com), BelSAT (Belarus), BelSAT (Belarus), Radyio Svaboda (RFE/RL’s Belarusian service), Time Radio (UK), BelSAT (Belarus), Independent (UK), ANSA (Italy), Le Grand Continent (France, Spain, Italy), Eurozpravy (Czech Republic), and La Stampa (Italy).
