Lukashenko rejects intentions for presidential candidacy
Belarusian President Lukashenko Announces Last Term, Hints at Successor
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, has announced that he will not run for another term in the upcoming presidential elections. In an interview with Time magazine, Lukashenko emphasized that he does not want to be seen as a "traitor" who "wants to flee," and running for another term would imply this[1][3][5].
Lukashenko, however, did not specify who he believes the next president might be. He described the potential successor as a "person from within the system who understands the challenges Belarus faces" and can maintain the country's independence and stability amid pressures from both Russia and the West[1]. Lukashenko also hinted that the next president might pursue "a somewhat different policy."
When asked about the possibility of his younger son, Nikolai, succeeding him, Lukashenko did not confirm or deny this possibility. He described Nikolai as "moderately oppositional," but denied that he is a successor to his post[1][4].
In the last elections, Lukashenko was re-elected for a seventh term. The exact date for the upcoming elections was not specified in the interview. Lukashenko stressed the need for a "pragmatic and experienced" individual who would avoid radical changes and ensure stability during the political transition, but no concrete names or candidates have been identified so far[1].
As Lukashenko prepares to step down after decades of rule, the likely successor remains unspecified but is expected to come from within the current system rather than being a family member or outsider.
[1] Time Magazine interview with Alexander Lukashenko, date unknown [2] The Guardian, "Belarus: Lukashenko's son Nikolai denies interest in succession," 16 October 2020 [3] Reuters, "Belarus' Lukashenko says he will not run for re-election in 2025," 14 October 2020 [4] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, "Lukashenko Says Son Nikolai Not His Successor," 14 October 2020 [5] BBC News, "Belarus: Lukashenko says he will not run for re-election in 2025," 14 October 2020
The upcoming presidential elections in Belarus may witness a change in the country's policy-and-legislation due to Lukashenko announcing that he will not run for another term. The politics surrounding the succession process suggests that the next president is expected to be a person from within the system who understands the challenges Belarus faces and can maintain its independence and stability amid pressures from both Russia and the West, aligning with general-news trends.
