Lukashenko moves migrants amid election preparation
- Migrants staying in Belarus near the border with Poland have been relocated towards Russia, said Colonel Andrzej Stasiulewicz from the Border Guard. The officer suggested this could be part of Alexander Lukashenko's preparations for the presidential elections.
- We observed migrants being moved towards Russia from the border area. Lukashenko might be seeking a calm environment in the country before the elections, noted Stasiulewicz. However, he refrained from speculating about the future of those who have been in the border area up until now.
According to Border Guard data, in the first two weeks of January this year, 86 people attempted to cross the border, averaging around six people per day. This is significantly fewer than last year, when over 80 crossing attempts were recorded each day. Border Guard statistics show that although last year the number of crossings significantly increased (from 25,701 in 2023 to 29,616), a reverse trend has been noted since late September 2024.
What is Lukashenko planning?
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Maciej Duszczyk, pointed out that weather conditions have a significant impact on the reduction in crossing numbers. However, it is suspected that Lukashenko, preparing for the presidential elections, wishes to impose order in the country, noted Duszczyk. The presidential elections in Belarus, with Alexander Lukashenko as the sole candidate, are scheduled for 26 January.
- Moreover, the presence of migrants raises concerns in villages near the Polish-Belarusian border. This might deter people from voting, he added.
- While I'm not in Lukashenko's mind, it can be speculated that the decrease in numbers might stem from his desire to maintain peace in the country, emphasised Duszczyk.
