Sannikov: My objective at the elections — change of authorities in Belarus

A candidate to the post of President of Belarus, leader of civil initiative “European Belarus” Andrei Sannikov sets himself change of authorities and political regime in the country as an objective.

“In essence, we do not participate in the elections. There are no election campaigns in Belarus, as we can observe at our neighbors, when presidents change, and society moves forward. Despite this, we undertake actions, directed to changing the situation in Belarus”, - the politician said in his interview to BelaPAN.

Sannikov considers nowadays period “extremely dangerous for the country”. “If there will be no changes, it is even fearful to think, what will become of Belarus”, - he stated.

The opposition, in his opinion, should leave the stereotypes. “To talk that we have some other opponents, besides Lukashenka, is simply indecent. One should concentrate on how to bring the changes closer. They are possible, real and may take place within the nearest half of the year”, - Sannikov is convinced.

He is sure, that an opponent of Lukashenka is able to swing the coming election. “The situation is unique for Belarus: severe economic crises, the absence of solutions to the problems connected with it by authorities. Disagreements in the government, the authorities only underline, how severe the crises is. Therewith the role of Russia has changed, one should notice it and use it for changing the situation”, - the politician considers.

According to the words of Sannikov, his presidential strategy is based on “orientation to European Union, its membership, and strategic partnership with Russia as well”.

Namely in defending such a position the politician sees “a guarantee and a formula of success”. “Other candidates say that it is impossible to negotiate with Russia, one should struggle against some pro-Kremlin candidate. Now there is other situation, other dynamic of its development. One should notice this dynamic, analyze it and act correspondingly”, - Sannikov is convinced.

Nowadays, he remarked, “Russia has changed its position”. “It is sending signals: we are not going to deal with Lukashenka, we will deal with new Belarusian authorities. To my view, everything says about it. It depends on us, people of Belarus, what kind of authorities it will be”, - candidate to the post of head of state stated.