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Why do officials put up with the humiliation from Lukashenko?


Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador

The dictator's own behavior provokes the division of the political elites - this is the conclusion one can draw by studying the public speeches of the dictator. 

Hiis rudeness and numerous threats, obscene language and aggression indicate that Lukashenko is clearly unbalanced. But the way how Lukashenko's government officials react to the humiliation is even more fascinating. At public meetings with the dictator, dozens of state officials at various levels do not have the courage to contradict the dictator who insults and demeans them - after all, any dissenting opinion could cause personal problems for the officials. But at the same time, each of them understands that the main problem for any state manager is Lukashenko himself.

Can such a person truly be the head of a nation? Lukashenko's aggression extends far beyond the premises where his meetings with officials are held. Today, it is a problem for Belarus' relations with foreign countries, because Lukashenko stands opposed not only to Belarusians, but to the civilized world as well, creating numerous problems, including for Belarus itself. A person who, through some inexplicable misunderstanding, calls himself the president of the country, but has in fact held power by force for 30 years, has become persona non grata for the leadership of most countries in the world, and is included in dozens of sanctions lists.

The reason for this attitude lies in Lukashenko's behavior - he is unable to make balanced decisions and cannot control his actions, emotions, and words. Lukashenko is a master of provoking conflict. As an incompetent leader, he uses prison slang when communicating with his subordinates, and addresses the Belarusian people with the informal "you", even going so far as to call them "rats" and a "little nation." The main propaganda idea from Lukashenko is that "we're surrounded by enemies," which he primarily uses to mobilize his supporters.

But can a person who believes that there are enemies all around him, build good relations with anyone? 

The heavy-handed approaches of Lukashenko's security forces are not acceptable to many officials. The heavy-handed approaches of Lukashenko's security forces are not acceptable to many officials. Any reasonable person would not condone torture and beatings, even if they are directed at ideological opponents. Not everyone watches with interest the programs of regime propagandists, some of whom allow themselves to voice threats and insults on the air, including using obscene language, directly from TV screens. And not all officials want to join the war - whether it's an ideological conflict or a real military one.

Lukashenko understands that he will be held accountable for the crimes he has committed, and that is why he is so desperate to cling to power. But the dictator is only at the top of the system. When a critical moment comes, will Lukashenko take the security forces and officials with him as he escapes? Will he, sensing a threat, evacuate all of his close associates, or will he bet only on saving his own family? This is a rhetorical question - this person will not think about anyone else.

Based on this, Belarusian officials must ask themselves: is it worth it? Is it worth the potential threat from both sides - the threat of prosecution for being affiliated with the criminal regime, and the threat of falling out of the dictator’s favor?

Lukashenko is not just a boorish, cynical, and ill-mannered person who is alien to all norms of morality. He is a war criminal who has turned against Belarus and the Belarusian people. The future of their country can only be secured by removing Lukashenko from power.

 

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