We stand in solidarity with you in the fight for democracy and justice in Belarus – this was the message conveyed today by the President of the Party of European Socialists (PES), Stefan Löfven, at an event with the leader of the democratic opposition of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was present in Stockholm, Sweden, to be awarded the Anna Lindh Prize.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is a remarkable leader whose unwavering courage and dedication to the cause of democracy inspires us all. In the face of unparalleled challenges and personal risk, she emerged as a symbol of hope for a free and democratic Belarus.
“The Belarusian opposition has our full support. We stand united in our commitment to see Belarus, just like Ukraine, break free from the grip of dictators and autocrats.”
PES President Stefan Löfven met Tsikhanouskaya in Stockholm prior to the ceremony. PES Executive Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck and the former Foreign Minister of Sweden Ann Linde attended the meeting.
Last month, opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya was named the 2023 Anna Lindh Prize laureate – which recognises individuals or institutions fighting indifference, prejudice, oppression and injustices – for her unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights. The prize commemorates the life and work of Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Anna Lindh, who was assassinated on 11 September 2003.
European socialists have long supported the Belarusian opposition, which remains subject to extreme political repression in the country. The PES condemned the crackdown on democracy that followed the illegitimate presidential election in August 2020, as well as earlier authoritarian actions perpetrated by the lukashenko regime.
As part of its commitment to democracy and justice for Belarus, Ukraine and the entire European neighbourhood, the PES is continuing its work to strengthen its bonds with social democratic opposition organisations, including the Belarusian Social Democratic Party.
