Cichanoŭskaja calls for scenarios of Belarus’ democratization amid rumors of Łukašenka’s poor health

May 15, BPN. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja stressed the importance of being prepared for the democratic transformation of Belarus noting Alaksandr Łukašenka’s long absence from the public space.

“There are many rumors about the dictator Łukašenka’s health,” she has tweeted. “For us, it means only one thing: we should be well prepared for every scenario. To turn Belarus on the path to democracy and to prevent Russia from interfering. We need the international community to be proactive and fast.”

On May 9, Łukašenka attended the Victory Day parade at Moscow’s Red Square. Footage circulated by the Russian media shows that his arm was bandaged. He struggled to move around. He was driven to a wreath laying site, whereas the other Eurasian leaders arrived on foot, and skipped the “informal breakfast” hosted by Vladimir Putin.

In the evening, Łukašenka participated in a wreath laying ceremony at Victory Square in Minsk but stopped short of making a speech, which was unusual and occurred for the first time during his rule.

Łukašenka has not appeared in public since May 9.

On May 13, he might have visited a hospital in Ždanovičy near Minsk, Euroradio reported.

On the same day, Łatuška called on Belarusian patriots loyal to Łukašenka “to take the side of the people and democratic forces.” Later, he said Łukašenka may have myocarditis caused by infection.

The resistance group ByPol said it had a secret action plan that would be activated if Łukašenka steps down.