Lukashenko Suggests Belarusians Adjust to the Idea That He Won't Be Forever

During a visit to the Shklovsky district, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko urged Belarusians to come to terms with the notion that the country may soon have a different president.

"I am already publicly starting to tell all of you: you must get used to the fact... that there will be another president," state publication SB-Belarus Today quoted his words.

At the same time, Lukashenko reassured local residents that he does not plan to leave them tomorrow or the day after. "But in life, anything can happen; you must get used to the fact that I am not forever, just like all of you," the president said.

He also stated that before leaving, he would like to ensure that he leaves Belarusians with a peaceful, calm country. "When I go, I will live somewhere in the village near you, I will return, and you will remember and thank me that not everything has gone badly," Lukashenko explained.

In 2025, Belarus will hold its presidential elections for the seventh time. Lukashenko has won every previous election.