PREPARATIONS FOR THE 2025 CAMPAIGN
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, the United Transitional Cabinet, and the Coordination Council are preparing a joint strategy for the regime’s so-called election scheduled for 2025. The democratic forces of Belarus call for its non-recognition and intend to conduct an alternative awareness campaign.
VISIT TO GERMANY
On October 14-15, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Germany on a working trip, meeting with the Minister of Economy and Vice-Chancellor of Germany, Robert Habeck, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock, Minister of Education, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Minister of Justice, Marco Buschmann, Vice-President of the Bundestag, Yvonne Magwas, the Bundestag group “For a Democratic Belarus”, the Bundestag opposition leader, Friedrich Merz, and representatives of the association of Belarusians “Razam”. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya was accompanied by Pavel Latushka, Alina Koushyk, and Vladzimir Astapenka of the United Transitional Cabinet, as well as Anzhalika Melnikava of the Coordination Council.
The meetings focused on the following issues:
- Support for political prisoners. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Germany for supporting political prisoners in Belarus, providing humanitarian aid, and disbursing 1.5 million euros for the rehabilitation of repressed individuals;
- Visas and mobility for Belarusians. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for more multiple-entry and long-term Schengen visas for Belarusians;
- Youth support and educational programs. The Belarusian leader emphasized the need for expanded educational programs, especially within DAAD, for Belarusian students and researchers, as well as free visas for youth;
- Sanctions against the regime. Discussions focused on closing loopholes in the sanctions to ensure they target the Lukashenka regime rather than ordinary Belarusians;
- Lithuania’s referral of the Lukashenka regime’s crimes to the International Criminal Court. Germany expressed its support for Lithuania’s initiative to hold the regime accountable.
- Non-recognition of the 2025 election. The election will be neither democratic nor fair.
In addition to political meetings, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks at the Berlin Belarus Future Forum, which brought together leading German politicians, experts, and activists. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also received the prestigious Schwarzkopf Europe Award, recognizing her contribution to the fight for democracy and human rights in Belarus.
As a symbolic part of the visit, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya attended the opening of the exhibition “UNBREAKABLE” at the Stasi Museum, dedicated to Belarusian human rights defenders and activists imprisoned for their activities.
Find photos of the visit at the link.
VISIT TO POLAND
On October 18-19, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the European Forum for New Ideas (EFNI), a major European economic conference. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya met with Polish politicians, members of the European Parliament, and the Belarusian diaspora.
In Warsaw, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya kicked off the Third Aliaksandr Ivulin Cup, a football cup of solidarity with political prisoners, and attended the official opening of the renewed mural dedicated to Belarusian political prisoners.
Find photos of the visit at the link.
MOTHER’S DAY
On October 14, when Mother’s Day was celebrated in Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya recorded a video address, congratulating Belarusian mothers.
EDUCATION IN BELARUS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Tatiana Shchyttsova, took part in an online discussion on what can be done to make sure education in Belarus promotes intellectual growth again.
BELARUSIAN-REGISTERED VEHICLE ENTRY TO THE EU
In the summer, the EU countries, including Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, introduced new rules for crossing the border using Belarusian-registered vehicles. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office released a guide on what documents to prepare and how to avoid problems when crossing the EU border and staying in the EU.
CANCELLATION OF VISAS
Several cases have been reported recently when Belarusians’ Schengen visas were annulled for various violations. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office released a guide explaining the main reasons why a Schengen visa can be annulled and what the implications can be.
SEIZURES OF REAL ESTATE IN BELARUS
The regime in Belarus continues to persecute Belarusians in exile. This week, independent media reported further cases of property seizures targeting the regime’s opponents.
MEDIA
This week, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was interviewed by TVP World (Poland, international), BILD (International), Süddeutsche Zeitung (Germany), DW (International), ARCrimea (Ukraine, first, second, third piece), Idnes (Czech Republic), Kyiv Independent (International), Euronews (International).
