Story perspectives

Tsikhanouskaya Urges Europe to Support Democratic Belarus

10/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

Tsikhanouskaya led Paris meeting of the Alliance of Parliamentary Groups ‘For Democratic Belarus,’ urging European integration and stronger civil-society support.
She described Belarus under Lukashenko as dire, with repression, but hoped for change.
She urged European partners to denounce Lukashenko’s legitimacy and invest in civil society.
A meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot addressed regional security and political-prisoner releases.

History

Historical Context

In August 2020, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya announced the formation of the Coordination Council to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power from President Alexander Lukashenko, following widespread protests against the disputed election results. Over 30,000 arrests occurred during these protests, echoing past movements like Ukraine's 2014 Euromaidan. International support for Belarusian civil society has intensified, aiming for democratic reforms in Eastern Europe.

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Story summary

Tsikhanouskaya led Paris meeting of the Alliance of Parliamentary Groups ‘For Democratic Belarus,’ urging European integration and stronger civil-society support.
She described Belarus under Lukashenko as dire, with repression, but hoped for change.
She urged European partners to denounce Lukashenko’s legitimacy and invest in civil society.
A meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot addressed regional security and political-prisoner releases.

1 / 2