Tsikhanouskaya: Changes in Belarus are a matter of time. Here are the main points of her speech at the "New Belarus" conference

On 2020

"It was the moment when our nation awoke. When we realized our strength. And became different. 2020 launched processes that cannot be reversed."

According to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, over these six years, Belarusians have learned self-organization, solidarity, and diplomatic work, created their own structures, media, and cultural projects, and found international allies. Despite repression and forced emigration, Belarusian society continues to influence the future of the country.

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On the current situation

"This is essentially a state of hybrid occupation."

On political struggle

"Having a minimal space for political work, we squeeze the maximum out of every millimeter of it. Thanks to this work, the world today knows two simple things: Belarusians are not the regime. And Belarus is not Russia."

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On new dynamics around Belarus over the past year

The release of some political prisoners, changes in Ukraine's position, and the investigation of the regime's crimes in The Hague. In her opinion, these changes became possible thanks to the joint work of Belarusians and international partners.

"None of this happened by itself. All of this is the result of our work together. The work of human rights defenders, journalists, politicians, activists, volunteers, and, of course, our foreign friends. And I am confident: we can do even more."

On the main tasks of democratic forces

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya named the main tasks as the release of all political prisoners and stopping the cycle of repression, preserving Belarusian subjectivity, language, culture, and identity, preventing Belarus from being fully drawn into the war, and being ready to take advantage of a new window of opportunity.

"And ultimately, we can influence the creation of a new window of opportunity — and be ready to seize it. Because changes in Belarus are a matter of time.

No matter how much Lukashenka is photoshopped on BelTA, his time is inevitably running out."

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That is why, the Head of the Cabinet emphasized, it is necessary to think about post-Lukashenka Belarus already now: how to prevent chaos, restore legality and security, hold free elections, withdraw the country from Russian control, and return it to the European family.

"Whether it will be natural causes, a split in the system, or something none of us can foresee today — we don't know. But we need to think already now about what post-Lukashenka Belarus will look like."

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya specifically appealed to Belarusians inside the country, calling on them not to lose faith, maintain connections, and seek safe forms of participation, and to Belarusians abroad — to be active and visible.

"We are helped when we are known, seen, and trusted."

The most important thing for Belarusians to preserve from 2020, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called the feeling of unity and mutual support.

"Support each other. Especially those who have just been released from prison. Those who found themselves in exile. Those who are starting life from scratch. And also — notice the good. Thank people for their work. Don't be shy to tell the person next to you: 'You are doing great. What you are doing is important.' Because sometimes a kind word inspires a person more strongly than a hundred strategies. I am confident that together we will succeed, and we will overcome everything. Long live Belarus!"

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