Lithuanian MEP: Tihanovska's Time Has Already Passed
16- 13.10.2025, 17:55
- 22,474
The opposition field in Belarus has changed.
The honorary chairman of Lithuania's ruling Social Democrats and member of the European Parliament Vytianis Andriukaitis commented on LRT the decision to downgrade the security of Svetlana Tihanovska.
He said that the decision was made taking into account objective circumstances and analysis of the situation.
"I think this decision was made based on the analysis of circumstances, first of all - the level of threats. Such decisions are always made based on analytical data. If the level of danger decreases, then it is logical that the level of security decreases," the politician said.
"This is normal and is practiced everywhere. Such decisions are always made flexibly, depending on the changing situation," he added.
Andriukaitis confirmed that the financial aspect was also taken into account, especially considering that, according to media reports, about a million euros were spent annually on guarding Tihanovska.
"Of course, the economic factor is also important. If the threat level is falling, it is simply irrational to continue spending significant resources on unnecessary security measures. This is obvious," said Mr. Andriukaitis.
"I myself have been to different countries as a commissioner in delegations, and I have seen that the level of security differs depending on the circumstances. Somewhere it's high, somewhere it's virtually non-existent. Everything should be proportionate," the politician added.
"I think we need to look at the situation more broadly. Objectively speaking, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya today no longer plays the role she played 2-3 years ago, especially after the release of her husband," he said.
The politician also believes that the opposition field in Belarus has changed.
"There are new centers, new faces. The attention of the international community, media and politicians is gradually shifting. This is a natural process. Now other events and figures are in the center of attention. For example, her husband is increasingly in the media focus," Andriukaitis said. - In addition, Lukashenko's regime itself behaves differently: it releases political prisoners, tries to establish external contacts, including with Donald Trump. This is a more complex and multi-layered picture than simply deciding to guard someone."
When asked about a possible threat to Tikhanovskaya's safety after the security level was lowered, the politician was blunt.
"Frankly speaking, I don't think there is such a threat. Lukashenko himself allowed her to leave, and I don't think she poses any danger to his regime now. That time has already passed," he said.
"Of course, I have no inside information and no ties with the Belarusian opposition or Lukashenko's entourage. But if we judge in general, Tikhanovskaya is hardly able to seriously influence public opinion inside Belarus today. The situation has changed, and her figure is no longer perceived as a threat," said the socdem.
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