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Mikalai Statkevich: At Necessary Time There Will Be Enough People For Changes

Belarusians may surprise the world and themselves yet.

Such conviction has been expressed by the presidential candidate in the elections – 2010, a former political prisoner Mikalai Statkevich, and his wife Maryna Adamovich, as they took part in the programme Guest at Svaboda of Radio Svaboda.

To the question of the host, Siarhei Darafeeu, how changes could come to Belarus, Mikalai Statkevich answered:

“For changes to take place, a critical mass of people should “find a human in themselves”, they should overcome something inside them and feel themselves worthy people.

It’s human nature, people respond to an example. I have noticed that when I was in the open-type correctional facility: when you behave in a dignified way, “a field of dignified behaviour” is created around you. And to find a human inside themselves, people need worthy examples.”

Commenting on the situation after the terrorist attacks in Paris and probable crackdown harshening in Belarus in this context, Mikalai Statkevich said:

“There will always be pretexts for rolling back freedoms, the only question is: whether Aliaksandr Lukashenka is to have enough money now “to roll back freedoms”?

Besides, a part of the society will “look for a different tsar” in this situation, as very many people in Belarus do not view Aliaksandr Lukashenka as “a strong leader” any more.

To the question of the host: “Are you ready to be such a “tsar”? – the politician said: “I would not like to be a “tsar.” But I have noticed in the literature that a good book is liked by a great number of people on absolutely different reasons. And the same is true about a good politician: people see in him what they want to see. I hope that the rational, thinking, idealistically-spirited minority is to see their leader in me. I would like hopes for a better life, big salaries, absence of fear to link the majority of our society with democratic leaders as well.

Recalling that the anniversary of the Revolution of dignity was celebrated in Ukraine yesterday, participants of the programme asked themselves: are Belarusians ready to come to the Question for their dignity?

“Belarusians are capable of surprise, they can surprise the whole world and themselves. My confidence rests on the events of December 19, 2010,” – Maryna Adamovich said about that.

Mikalai Statkevich supported this opinion, adding that “people should be only given hope” for that.

“During the last rally in the framework of the “electoral campaign” on October 10 thousands of people were present. About 10 years ago I was not able to attract so many people to an unsanctioned rally in central Minsk,” – the politician said.

Speaking about his role of a leader in the coming changes in Belarus, Mikalai Statkevich said:

“It is important for me how the thinking part of the society views me. I think that many of them view me as a leader. At least when I am walking down the streets in Minsk, I see that constantly: people from all strata of the society keep coming up to me, many successful people – and they express gratitude and ask not to give up.

Now I am holding rallies in the “places of fear.” It is a kind of “fear therapy,” a repeat experience of situations of stress. The “stressful places” here are the KGB headquarters, the Interior Affairs Ministry, the House of Government.

150 persons came to the KGB building, the “place of fear.” Is it many or not? I think it is quite a lot: people have come to the rally, knowing that it would not result in a success. I saw very many young people there whom I didn’t know at all. When a hope and a chance emerge – there will be enough people, I promise you.”

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