He evaluated the signals sent by Macron in Lithuania and the success of the first ladies

“Of course, it is funny when such a charismatic leader who talks a lot about the future of Europe comes to Lithuania, but it is a working visit, which shows how much Lithuania has done during the three decades of independence, when such visits are the norm. , not some very big problems. decision ”, – the political scientist discussed at the beginning of the program.

According to him, the visit had been in the works for several years.

“Previous dates were also set, but due to various circumstances, the visit could not take place, but now the circumstances are right. It is gratifying that Macrono’s promise has come true, ”emphasized political scientist L. Kojala.

Centered in Belarus

When asked if the meeting with Svetlana Cichanouskaya was more symbolic or the beginning of a real action, L. Kojala considered that this step is still important in any case.

“I think the symbolism is very important, only Cichanouskaya is a representative of the protesters, who also meets with the leaders of other countries – she has visited Brussels, Warsaw and other cities.” In this way, it shows that it is carrying out an important diplomatic mission and that leaders like E. Macron meet with it is very important, but whether a long-term strategy will emerge remains a question, ”emphasized political scientist L. Kojala.

Evaluating Lithuania’s expanded list of sanctions, L. Kojala assured that each country can make such decisions, but that it will take much longer for the entire European Union to agree on the sanctions.

“It is an acceptable step, everyone understands that foreign policy is the prerogative of the nation states. Each country can make those decisions and implement them, and in this case not only Lithuania, but also several other countries have provided us with an expanded list. The European Union needs more time to agree, but I think that these processes are complementary and certainly not contradictory ”, says L. Kojala.

When asked if Lithuania is behaving in the most courageous way towards Belarus, the interlocutor assured that Lithuania will definitely speak with great courage and a lot on this issue.

“I think Lithuania definitely speaks boldly and abundantly, and it is important to pay attention to what is happening in Belarus together with Poland and other countries. We need to be understanding with the countries that are in southern Europe, because perhaps other issues are more relevant to them. If we want Belarus to stay at the top of the political agenda, we have to keep talking about it. “

We remind you that the President of France, who is visiting Lithuania, said that he expected the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to undertake a mediation mission in Belarus in the coming weeks.
“We will use the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and, together with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Council President Charles Michel, we would like to encourage Belarus to accept OSCE mediation,” Macron said in a discussion. at Vilnius University on Tuesday.

“Our objective in the coming weeks is to implement mediation, because only in this way can we ensure a peaceful transfer of power, the release of political prisoners,” he added.

Macron said addressing the crisis also required “dialogue with Russia, talks with Vladimir Putin.”

“Since August, we have said that it would be a mistake and an unjustifiable provocation if Russia were to introduce military forces. I think it is a question of Belarus, not our neighbors. We will work together with Russia and the international community,” he said.

Decrypted Macron message

On Monday, Macron said: “A transparent and naive dialogue with Russia.” When asked how we could interpret such words, Kojala assured that it was always important for Macron to emphasize that relations with Russia could change in the future.

“You chose very important words from your quote. Speaking of transparency, he will probably emphasize that the policy followed by France towards Russia is not his alone and is not discussed with the Allies. He spoke about this not only in Lithuania, but also a little earlier in Poland. He emphasizes that he is listening to arguments and does not want to do something secretly or silently, creating an atmosphere of mistrust with other countries, that is transparency here.

And naivety is emphasized both in terms of time and in terms of some political decisions. In terms of time, Macron, in defining his relationship with Russia, speaks of decades, speaks of the distant future when he sees that Russia will have to turn to the West because its internal problems and its relations with China simply will not be able to behave as it used to. Their expectation is that if we maintain at least some contact with Russia now, we will bear fruit in the long run, ”thinks L. Kojala.

Appreciated the role of the first ladies

When asked what the role of the first ladies is, the political scientist assured that expectations were indeed met.

“I think the expectations have really been met. When it comes to education, we know that Macron’s wife is a former teacher, so it’s only natural that those topics are important to her.

Also culture, not in vain visits to cultural events that take place in parallel to the presidential agendas. I think they are complementary things that are important ”, says L. Kojala.