Lukashenko's health woes cast shadow over election win
Alexander Lukashenko will soon turn 71. The Belarusian dictator is expected to secure another manipulated presidential election in the country on Sunday. However, there are increasingly frequent reports regarding his health problems.
Alexander Lukashenko has governed Belarus continuously since 1994. On Sunday, the Belarusian dictator is likely to "win" the elections once more and retain power for another term. The international community, however, remains sceptical about the integrity of the electoral process in Belarus, believing the results are predetermined. This was evident in the 2020 elections, which triggered mass protests against Lukashenko.
Doctors called to Lukashenko: was help needed from China?
Recently, there have been numerous reports on Lukashenko's health issues. The dictator reportedly fell ill during several foreign visits. This occurred in May 2023, during Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations, and again the following year at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kazakhstan.
The Institute of Central Europe, citing former Belarusian ambassador to Poland, Pavel Latushko, reported that Alexander Lukashenko suffers from serious conditions such as diabetes, knee problems, spine issues, and head tremors. He is also experiencing increasing difficulty with mobility, prompting him to give up certain sports, including his beloved hockey.
Marcin Strzyżewski, author of books about Russia and Belarus, highlighted in the programme "The World According to Poland" that it is becoming increasingly difficult for the regime to conceal information about the Belarusian leader's health issues. He mentioned, - Reports indicated that when Lukashenko's health situation became critical, one of his sons made a direct appeal for assistance to China.
Lukashenko will soon be 71, yet he is generally reluctant to discuss his health. He made an exception last July when he visited his hometown for an annual concert. He then admitted to having "difficult days" and feeling "tired." This coincided with his indisposition at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
- There are numerous mass events. The greatest challenge is when there are many people and everyone, observing you, expects something—some cursing, others thanking you, and others something else. This large number of people significantly impacts a person - Lukashenko said, as quoted by the Zerkalo portal.
Russian journalist Mikhail Fishman from the independent TV station Dozhd reported at the time, citing anonymous sources, that Alexander Lukashenko lost consciousness during the summit in Astana, and his condition "began to deteriorate before the participants’ eyes."
According to Fishman, Lukashenko is "seriously ill" and "managing it very poorly."
Belarusian law stipulates that if the president dies or is unable to fulfil his duties, the chairman of the Council of the Republic (the upper house of parliament) assumes interim leadership. In theory, this is the process; in practice, Lukashenko's sons might take charge.
