MINSK, 17 September (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko called on everyone to openly express their point of view, but to do so in a constructive manner as he spoke at a meeting with members of the expert community engaged in ideological work to mark Day of People’s Unity on 17 September, BelTA has learned.
“The fact that there will be someone else [as President in the future] is something I already talk about all the time. So you can get used to the idea. Not because I'm some great figure, but because I've been in power so long. You've gotten used to me; things have stabilized here,” said the head of state.
The head of state said this in response to a question from a meeting participant, Anna Kanopatskaya, head of the Public Center for Legislative Initiatives. “Everyone understands that the existing unity in our society today, where both your supporters and your political opponents are united in defending our statehood and upholding the interests of the people of Belarus around the figure of the President, has been achieved not least thanks to your charisma and personal qualities,” she said.
However, Anna Kanopatskaya believes that some other person in this position in the future, be it a man or a woman (and she would prefer the new president to be a woman), would most likely be inferior to Aleksandr Lukashenko in these qualities, something the people would immediately feel and see. “What should we start doing now, while there is still time, to preserve and maintain this unity and consolidation in Belarusian society? Please give some advice,” she asked.
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed the importance of open and constructive discussions in society, including at the political level. “People should speak openly about what they think. They just shouldn't be destructive. Come, and we will discuss things together,” he said. “Yes, I take it normally when you say there will be a different person. I have immense respect for women and would be happy if we could find a woman who could be President right now.”
At the same time, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the job of President is extremely hard work and a great responsibility. “I am also looking for and want to see future presidents in our society. But I consider many individuals and see that they simply won't be able to handle it,” said the head of state. “It takes time for a new person to become President, if they weren't born for it. If you don't have the innate makings of a President, don't even try it in Belarus.”
“If you want to be a real President, forget that you have any other kind of life. Forget about a personal life - a President can't have such a concept,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
He emphasized that the situation around Belarus is very complex right now, and it would be preferable for the leader to be a “tough man who has definitely smelled gunpowder”. “This is my point of view. A man who has immense respect for women. A woman is a model created by nature. Nevertheless, I believe we cannot throw her onto this ‘hot frying pan’ today,” the president said.
The conversation also turned to the role of the Belarusian People's Congress, which in its new status also acts as a certain restraining factor. Aleksandr Lukashenko admitted that even he himself, with three decades of experience in the presidential post, feels this. “When a young President comes, they will feel it even more,” he said. “I don't see a big problem here. Especially if we have a consolidated, unified society.”
The head of state is confident that it will be impossible to overturn a body like the Belarusian People's Congress to suit one particular individual or another. “This is a good, major first step toward the kind of democracy you always fight for,” he told Anna Kanopatskaya.
Moreover, in political debates and competitive struggles, Aleksandr Lukashenko urged everyone to remember that there is always only one seat, be it the post of party leader or head of state. “One person will sit in it. So is it worth us fighting, grabbing each other by the collars, and ‘beating each other's faces in’? Therefore, we need to mobilize and unite. But it must be around a recognized leader,” the head of state said.
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