European Forum

Possible political reforms promised by Belarus’ president Lukashenko

On 19 January the Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced the endorsement of possible reforms in the political system in the country during a celebration of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belarus and China. However, he added that the potential changes are not stemming from unrest in his country and the reforms are not highly urgent.

Global trends
The announced reforms are demanded by the current global trends, explained the president. According to Lukashenko, the country needs to adapt and modernize in order to keep up with other countries and to be one step ahead of the processes taking place in Belarus. “I’m talking about this for the first time, but I’ve long been pondering this question, discussing these issues. And we’ll start quietly moving in this direction,” he said. Moreover, he wants to launch reforms in order to preserve stability, give people the right to the freedom of expression and provide proper living conditions. Although it is unclear what exactly the reforms will entail, they are not likely to mark a dramatic turn-around in human rights and freedom in Belarus. At the same meeting  Lukashenko praised China’s control over internet, saying it serves to maintain stability in the country. Recently a new law has been implemented in Belarus to restrict admission to foreign websites.

Dictatorship
In contrast, after a protest against his disputed re-election as president in December 2010 Lukashenko stated he would not allow protesters to “impose uncertainty and turbulence”. The protest was harshly crushed down. Subsequently, the leader became subject to sanctions by Western countries. Although Lukashenko is widely referred to as ‘the last dictator of Europe’, he denies being a dictator. "There’s no dictatorship in the Belarusian parliament," he said. "Dictatorship is only in the president’s hands. He has the right to take any decision alone".

Ready to take steps
The reforms will not be implemented before the upcoming parliamentary elections in autumn this year. The opposition parties have repeatedly asked for changes in the election law, yet Lukashenko answered “this is totally unacceptable on the eve of the political campaign”. The president said he will ask China’s support on the long-term in the reform processes to improve internal affairs and enhance its relationship with the West. Hence, even though the political amendments are not implemented immediately, they are set on the agenda. Belarus “is ready to take this step”, Lukashenko said.

Sources: Belta, RIA Novosti, Telegraf
Image Flickr: by Expo Socialism