Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Parliament President Roberta Metsola called Belarus’ upcoming election a “sham” on X, assuring Belarusians that the EU supports them and democracy will prevail.
Metsola, on her X handle, said,
“Tomorrow’s election in Belarus is a sham. My message to the people of Belarus is: keep strong; we have your back, and the time of dictatorship will be over. Democracy will prevail.”
How has the EU supported Belarusian democratic forces?
Moreover, a few days back, on 22 January 2025, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the Belarus presidential election scheduled for 26 January as a “sham.” The European Parliament termed the entire electoral process as illegitimate in view of no genuine opposition candidates and a repressive political environment.
According to the resolution, the election is merely a mechanism through which President Alexander Lukashenko continues to uphold authoritarian rule since 1994. MEPs sought the EU and its member states’ advice not to give credibility to Lukashenko after declaring the election results. They said that in contrast to the one held in 2020, this time, there is an absolute absence of hopeful candidates who can compete with Lukashenko.
Tomorrow’s election in Belarus is a sham.
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) January 25, 2025
My message to the people of Belarus is: keep strong, we have your back, the time of dictatorship will be over.
Democracy will prevail.
How does Metsola envision a democratic future for Belarus?
The European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, has always strongly been of the opinion in support of Belarus and its democratic forces. The head of the Belarusian democratic forces, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, met with Metsola in May 2024, when Metsola stated, “Belarus will not become the forgotten corner of Europe.” She further clarified that the EU was committed to strengthening ties with Belarusian civil society and continued to back the fight for democracy and independence.
Metsola has condemned the continued repression in Belarus and urged for the immediate release of all political prisoners. She underlined the need for the international community to take urgent action to stand in solidarity with those fighting for democracy in Belarus.