Pahonya and white-red-white flag abolished 20 years ago
New state symbols were introduced and the usage of the Belarusian language was narrowed on May 20, 1995.
The first referendum of the independent Belarus was held on May 14, 1995. It was initiated by President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
Four questions were asked:
1. Do you want the Russian language to get the same status as Belarusian?
2. Do you support the introduction of a new State Flag and National Emblem of the Republic of Belarus?
3. Do you support the Belarusian President’s actions aimed at the economic integration with the Russian Federation?
4. Do you agree with the necessity of changing the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus so that the President could dissolve the Supreme Council in case of a systemic or rude violation of the Constitution?
The first three questions were obligatory and the fourth one was consultative.
BPF’s protests in the Supreme Council and the remarks that the questions connected with the state symbols and language could not be decided at a referendum were ignored.
As a result, most people answered ‘yes’ to all the questions.
Photo: bymedia.net
