When Lukashenka promised to leave and what to spend a new loan from Moscow on. Key statements from the eight-hour press conference of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko

ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO celebrated the first anniversary of his sixth presidential term with a big press conference that lasted more than eight hours. He spent it in his working residence - the Palace of Independence. Correspondents from leading foreign media - Russian, Ukrainian, Western - were invited there. Often members of the government entered into the conversation, clarifying the president's words. The Belarusian activists and journalists invited to the event also entered into a discussion with journalists who asked questions, defending the official position of MINSK.

About promised reforms and elections

Almost a year ago, against the background of protests, Alexander Lukashenko promised that changes to the country's Constitution would be prepared, after which a referendum would be held to adopt its new version, and then elections would be held. At a press conference, he confirmed these plans. “We must hold an open, honest referendum on the Constitution,” he said and noted that everything will be done “so that the mosquito does not undermine the nose.”

At the same time, he avoided specifying specific dates and terms for holding a referendum or new elections. “Soon, very soon,” Lukashenka promised, speaking about the timing of the end of his presidency. “I will not participate. That I will bet on someone and I will push someone through - no. I will behave honestly,” he said, answering the question of whether he would name a successor.

At the same time, Lukashenka noted that he would know all the candidates. “Everything will be equal. But pragmatic, normal people will definitely win in Belarus,” he promised.