Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya gave speech at the EPP Plenary Сongress in Bucharest, Romania:
“Dear Secretary General,
Dear President,
Dear Congress,
I feel that I am among friends today. And I came here today – to thank you!
For many years, the European People’s Party has been a driving force that supported Belarus democracy, in the European Parliament and beyond.
You became our voice. Our support. But also our hope. Hope that Belarus will finally get rid of brutal tyranny. Will get out of Russian claws. And will become part of the European Union.
The fight for democracy is difficult. To win this fight – we need champions. And many of these champions are in this room today.
We need champions like Roberta Metsola, whom I met before she took such an important role. “What a leader!” – was my first impression. She inspired me to continue my fight, and I remember her words: “We are strong, because we are women”. Thank you!
We need champions like Manfred Weber or Ursula von der Leyen. Immediately after Lukashenka hijacked the Ryanair flight, you issued the devastating sanction package on the regime, and pledged the 3-billion Euro package for Belarus after democratic changes. Thank you!
We need leaders like Gabrielius Landsbergis or Radek Sikorski. Lithuania and Poland have opened their doors to thousands of Belarusians fleeing repressions, including myself. Provided visas, safe refuge, and demonstrated creativity in fighting dictators. And when you fight dictators, you have to be creative. Thank you!
We need champions like Antonio Tajani or Urmas Reinsalu, people who are ready and brave enough to make non-conventional decisions in such non-conventional times. Urmas, who was Estonian foreign minister, organized a hearing on Belarus in the UN Security Council. Thank you!
Sometimes we joke that Belarus has its own mafia in the European Parliament. And most of its members are from EPP. Andrius Kubilius, Rasa Yuknavicene, Andrzej Halicki, Sandra Kalniete, and many-many others. Thank you for distinguishing between the Belarusian people and the Belarus regime. Thank you for reminding the world about our political prisoners. Thank you!
Of course, I would like to thank every one of you here today for your efforts to support us. Belarusians will never forget your support and solidarity.
As you enter the electoral campaign for the European Parliament, I call each of you in this room to be champions of democracy. To be advocates of all those who risk their lives and their freedom in the name of values we all here stand for.
I ask you to include Ukraine and Belarus in your electoral programs.
I also ask you to provide Ukraine with everything it needs. Many Belarusians fight for Ukrainian freedom as we speak. Many of them gave their lives in this fight.
Because we understand that it’s not just their fight – it’s our common fight for freedom.
I ask you to stand with those who fight for free Belarus. Changes in Belarus will bring Ukraine’s victory faster, and will become a huge blow to Putin.
And don’t forget: dictators can not be appeased. Dictators can not be reeducated. They can only be fought.
This is high time for democracies to show their teeth.
Dear friends,
The road to freedom may still be long. But with allies like the EPP, I am confident that we can make our dream come true.
Thank you for standing with Belarus. Thank you for championing our European dream.
Слава Украине!
Жыве Беларусь!
Long Live Europe!”
