Belarusian leader and opposition differ on France ties

July 14, BPN. Belarus’ authoritarian leader and his chief rival in a disputed election have expressed contrasting views on France’s national day.

Alaksandar Łukašenka said his country’s relations with France faced “artificial barriers and bans” due to the European Union’s hostile politics. He said Belarusians and French people wanted to cooperate and learn about each other’s history and culture.

Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja, who fled to Lithuania after challenging Łukašenka in the 2020 vote, praised France as an actual ally. “We are honored to have France as an ally in our pursuit of freedom and democracy in Belarus,” she tweeted.

Both sent congratulations to the French people on Bastille Day.