Lukashenko continues to hide his alliance with nationalists
The Belarusian authorities applied administrative measures to participants in unauthorized rallies against integration with Russia, which took place at the end of last year.
This fact surprised the Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
“This is a rare case when citizens do not oppose the actions of the authorities, but in unison with the policy that President Alexander Lukashenko is currently pursuing: no integration with Russia according to the Russian Federation scenario. This scenario, as the President of Belarus states, is fraught with the loss of the country's independence. The first such action on the day when Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko met in Sochi on December 8, the press service of the Belarusian president even designated as an action in support of the position of the head of state in the negotiations,” the article says.
Nezavisimaya Gazeta tries to explain this paradox by the desire of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to retain power.
“Firstly, having taken over the image of a guardian of independence, which previously belonged to the opposition, he is not going to give it to anyone, or even share it. Especially with political opponents who could encroach on his sole power. Secondly, even in extreme conditions, everyone should know who is boss and protest with his permission,” the article says.
The newspaper does not consider the third version that Lukashenko wants to maintain the illusion of his confrontation with the nationalist opposition, since it is the most comfortable sparring partner in the upcoming presidential elections this summer.
Administrative sentences and fines should make the opposition public forget that at rallies against integration they did not harm Lukashenko in any way, but allowed them to tear up portraits of Vladimir Putin and insult the Russian president.
In gratitude for this, the Belarusian police not only did not disperse the rallies, but also ensured their safety.
According to Belarusian human rights activists, about 170 court hearings have already taken place based on the results of anti-integration actions, the total amount of fines awarded is approaching 60 thousand dollars, and the number of days of arrest exceeds 300.
Lukashenko continues to conceal his alliance with nationalists.