The European Parliament has urged the EU to reject Aliaksandr Lukashenka's expected re-election, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the Belarusian people's struggle for
democracy and human rights. MEPs also call for an expansion of EU sanctions against Belarusian authorities.
Reaffirming support for Belarusian democracy
In a resolution adopted on Wednesday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) condemned the presidential election in Belarus, scheduled for January 26, as a fraudulent exercise. Citing escalating human rights abuses and violations of democratic principles, they urged the EU, its member states, and the international community to reject the legitimacy of Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s presidency following the vote.
Ruling Belarus with an iron fist since 1994, Lukashenka faces no genuine opposition in the upcoming election, which features only nominal challengers. The Parliament reiterated its stance that Lukashenka is not the legitimate president and declared the Belarusian regime wholly illegitimate. MEPs expressed steadfast support for the Belarusian people’s aspirations for democracy, freedom, and human rights.
Strengthening EU sanctions
The resolution highlighted grave concerns over the plight of political prisoners in Belarus, numbering over 1,200 according to the human rights organization Viasna. It called for continued EU investigations into human rights abuses and emphasized the need for accountability measures, including invoking universal jurisdiction.
MEPs also criticized the Lukashenka regime for its role in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its subjugation of Belarus to Moscow under the so-called union state. They urged the EU and international partners to expand and intensify sanctions against individuals and entities complicit in repression within Belarus and in supporting Russia’s war efforts.
Next steps
The resolution, adopted with 567 votes in favor, 25 against, and 66 abstentions, reflects the European Parliament's unwavering commitment to democratic principles in Belarus. Full details of the resolution will be available on January 22, 2025, along with a breakdown of how each MEP voted.
This stance underscores the EU’s resolve to hold the Belarusian regime accountable while championing the rights and freedoms of its citizens. Photo by Alex Zelenko, Wikimedia commons.