Who will succeed Lukashenko? The search for Belarus's next leader
Dictator Alexander Lukashenko does not know who could replace him as Belarus's leader. He said he would "Combine the qualities of a number of Belarusian officials in one person" to breed an "ideal president."
Alexander Lukashenko, during a meeting with students from technical colleges, was asked about his potential successor. He stated that "You do not become a president; you are born a president."
"If you do not naturally possess the essential elements, traits, and qualities of a president, do not even think of entering this field," he said.
He stated that among the people surrounding him, there are many with the necessary traits to lead the country. He mentioned, among others, the prime minister and the leaders of parliament.
"And yesterday I was thinking about this: well, who?" he asked. He stated that he wouldn't be able to identify such a person.
"All those in public eye possess unique qualities. Unique. Much higher in certain qualities than I do. And yesterday, for example, I thought if you could combine these qualities into one person, they would be an unique individual, the perfect president," Lukashenko said.
The dictator stressed that, for him, experience holds the highest value. He added that when paired with a strong desire to make a positive impact, it would lead to somewhat effective leadership as president.
30 years at the helm of the country
Lukashenko has been ruling Belarus continuously since 1994. During this time, he has pacified the opposition and subordinated the entire state apparatus. However, there are some signals that the 70-year-old dictator is preparing to step down. For example, a regulation has emerged that prohibits any threats or acts of violence against all presidents of Belarus, including those who have already left office.
Who could replace Lukashenko? Experts point out, among others, one of the dictator's sons. The Belarusian opposition, on the other hand, does not rule out that the main candidate to take over power in Minsk is Gen. Alexander Volfovich, currently the Secretary of the country's Security Council.
