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In Belarus, the controversial head of state Lukashenko surprisingly began his sixth term. As an important state event, the ceremony is usually announced days in advance.
Controversial head of state Alexander Lukashenko has been sworn in as president of Belarus for the sixth time. Surprisingly, the 66-year-old was sworn in.
Lukashenko put his right hand on the constitution and took the oath, state media reported in Minsk. During the ceremony, Lukashenko pledged to “serve the people of the Republic of Belarus, respect and protect the rights and freedoms of individuals and citizens.” Then the head of the electoral commission, Lidija Jermoschine, gave him the official certificate.
Act without notice
The ceremony is usually announced days in advance as a major state event. Political scientist Valery Karbelevich in Minsk told the dpa news agency that the inauguration was scheduled as a secret operation.
Before taking office, the EU Foreign Affairs representative, Josep Borrell Lukashenko, had clearly denied the right to the office of president. It’s a “pseudo-inauguration,” Borrell wrote in a blog post published Tuesday. “Mr. Lukashenko has lost all legitimacy,” Borrell said.
Inauguration on October 9
According to the constitution, the inauguration had to take place within two months after the presidential election, that is, no later than October 9. The presidential administration had not announced a date until the end. The EU did not recognize the August 9 elections. She supports the movement for democracy with former candidate Svetlana Tichanowskaya at the helm.
Lukashenko had been declared the winner with 80.1 percent of the vote, after 26 years in power. Russia had congratulated him on the victory. Since the elections, there have been historic mass protests against Lukashenko in Belarus. The Belarusian opposition speaks of electoral fraud. The democratic movement demands his resignation and a new election without his participation.
The opposition formed a coordinating council to push for a transfer of power. However, many of its members have since been detained or have been forced to leave the country. Lukashenko refused to resign and threatened to use the army to secure power.
