Tikhanovskaya Declares Her Readiness To Lead Belarus When Lukashenko Resigns

On Thursday, 3 November, former presidential candidate and leader of Belarusian opposition Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said that she is “ready to lead the nation” through a transitional period, when Alexander Lukashenko steps down.

Scroll down for the script in English.

In a video message, published on her YouTube channel, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya says: “We all understand that the regime is falling apart and following the stage of pressure and protest, the stage of dialogue will inevitably begin. People from the system will find themselves in a situation where it is more profitable for them to sit down at the negotiating table, and not fight with their own people.

Many people ask me if I am ready to be a leader of the people at this moment. Yes, I officially declare that I am ready to lead the country in a transitional period. I take on this responsibility because I know that I am not alone. My goal is to unite the best experts and democratic forces so that Belarus approaches the new elections with the fewest shocks.

I officially declare that I am ready to lead #Belarus during the transition period. We continue increasing pressure on Lukashenka’s regime to return power to the people. This summer I promised to hold free & fair presidential elections in Belarus. I am true to my word. pic.twitter.com/FRIOjXJaDj

— Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (@Tsihanouskaya) December 3, 2020

For this, a Coordination Council and a Cabinet of Representatives have been created in various fields – each of them works in the interests of Belarusians. We have already developed a concept for the new elections; a draft constitutional reform that would follow Lukashenko’s resignment; programs of economic assistance to vulnerable groups and support for small and medium-sized businesses.

We continue to put pressure on the regime and work on easing and accelerate the transitional period and return power to the people. Back in the summer, I promised you that I would prepare the conditions for holding new transparent presidential elections in the Republic of Belarus. And I keep my word.”