Andrei Sannikov’s meetings with dwellers of Brest and Baranavichy (Photo)

On September 5 a presidential aspirant in Belarus, Andrei Sannikov took part in pickets in Brest and Baranavichy.

“In this trip I have hardened to the view that people start to become more and more actively involved in the presidential campaign. Belarusians are saying openly that it’s time to change the regime, that they are fed up with Lukashenka.

In every city problems are similar: firstly, employment and salaries. There are not enough jobs, people are not paid even what they had earned, and warehouses are crammed with unsold output. At the meetings there were businessmen and workers o state-run enterprises. Everyone says that Belarusians can live much better than today, and that Lukashenka’s regime is a hindrance for that, as it is trying to be in command of the economy, destroys successful enterprises and hinders the business as it needs money,” Andrei Sannikov said in an interview to “European Belarus” website.

As said by the politician, people are frightened by a rampant growth of the foreign debt, they understand that Lukashenka is taking loans mindlessly, and they and their children are to pay them out.

“In Baranavichy I was told about outrageous violations during collection of signatures. Workers of plants are forced to give signatures for Lukashenka, and their passports are seized for a few weeks for them to be unable to give signatures for other candidates. Such measures cause more and more hate to the dictator and to the people who are trying to collect signatures for them, though under duress.

However, at our pickets people not just put their signatures in my support, but invite their friends, colleagues and relatives. In Brest a real rally was held near our picket, as there so many people who wanted to sign their names, communicate and say words of support. No one doubts that there will be the end of Lukashenka’s regime soon, and people are already giving concrete tasks to the next government: what should be done with education, army, police, secret services, economy,” Andrei Sannikov said.

Brest

Baranavichy