Eduard Lobau: Better unite with Lukashenka against Putin
Former political prisoner sees no sense in the current presidential elections and thinks there will be no Ploshcha.
The co-chair of the Young Front (Malady Front) and a former political prisoner Eduard Lobau, who served four years in prison, does not see "much sense" in the current presidential election. He stated this in an interview with Nasha Niva. The opposition activist says he will not go to vote in elections that could be held in the fall. However, he believes that it is impossible to win Alyaksandr Lukashenka the legal way.
He also considers dangerous the open protests as in Ukraine, as they can be followed by the Russian troops". Besides, Lobau said that Belarus is unlikely to find political force that can organize a revolution. He also considers the support of changes by the population is low, because "people may not support, as they see the situation in Ukraine".
"Our people mainly want peace, they are not interested in the social outbursts. Therefore, I do not see the reasons for Ploshcha this year," said Eduard Lobau.
If the Ploshcha protests do take place, the young politician does not exclude his participation in them and at the same time doubts that they can yield some result. However, he is willing to take risks, even if he would face a new prison term.
As for the opposition work strategy, Eduard Lobau sees only one way - "talking with people, dragging them to our side". He considers it necessary to carry out patriotic policy in the national context.
"Not focus on the joint Soviet past, but feel ourselves Belarusian. There is now some movement in this direction, even at the state level: Belarusian-language billboards, even a monument to Olgerd ... But even for a year you will not do what has been ignored for two decades. It takes time," said the co-chair of the Young Front.
"I support the view that it is better to unite with Lukashenka against Putin. After all, if we lose the independence, it will not matter who governs. If necessary, I am ready to defend the independence of the homeland with arms," says Eduard Lobau.