For the first time in 29 years, ruler Alexander Lukashenko stayed away from the State Flag Day ceremony in the ex-Soviet Republic of Belarus. The fact that the 68-year-old was represented by Prime Minister Roman Golovtschenko at the pompous state celebration fueled speculation about Lukashenko’s health.
No current photos of the politician have been shown on state television for days, but he did read a congratulatory message for the holiday. Media in neighboring Ukraine had previously reported that Lukashenko had been taken to a hospital.
“Europe’s last dictator” and Putin’s ally
Lukashenko, often referred to as Europe’s last dictator, attended the military parade in Moscow last Tuesday to commemorate the Soviet army’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Looking noticeably shattered, he left the May 9 Victory Day celebration early. So far, the President’s Office in Minsk has not issued a statement on his condition.
‘He can’t even stand up straight’
EU-exiled opposition politician Pavel Latushko, once culture minister in Minsk’s government, said on Friday that Lukashenko is “clearly very seriously ill”. Nothing is left of the former image of the strong leader. In 2020, Lukashenko again declared himself the winner in a controversial presidential election and protests against the vote were crushed.
“He can’t even walk a few hundred meters, can’t give speeches, can’t even stand up in the stands, staggering with weakness,” Latuschko said. State television is powerless and no longer knows what to say or show.
Economically and financially dependent on Moscow
An authoritarian ruler, Lukashenko is the central hub of political life in Belarus (Belarus). His stay in 2020 was mainly due to the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since then, Belarus is more than ever economically and financially dependent on Russia. Minsk also supports Moscow in the war in Ukraine, allowing Belarusian territory to be used by Russian forces to attack the neighboring country.
Source: Krone
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