Lukashenko admits he’s stayed in power a ‘little’ longer—31 years

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he has “stayed a little longer” in power to prepare a new generation of leaders.

“As I promised you, a new generation has actually come to power. I have stayed a little longer, but please be patient because there should also be experienced people,” Lukashenko said during the opening ceremony of the International Exhibition Center in Minsk.

The Belarusian leader noted that it is necessary to consider and draw conclusions about “what our youth is capable of.” He also called on his fellow citizens to fulfill their professional duties at work.

“I don’t require more from you. The rest we will decide—each in its place. As president, I will handle my issues myself—the government will deal with economic affairs, the administration with politics, diplomacy, etc. Everything is in its place; this machine must run without interruptions,” he stated.

Alexander Lukashenko has been the president of Belarus since 1994.

On Oct. 17, 2004, a referendum was held in Belarus, which resulted in removing the constitutional restriction that limited the head of state from holding office for more than two consecutive terms. Since then, Lukashenko has been re-elected five more times to the highest state position. He is one of the longest-serving officials among the CIS countries, alongside Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon.