Kochanova explains what Lukashenko personally thanked her for

The Chairperson of the Council of the Republic, Natalya Kochanova told the ONT TV channel what President Lukashenko personally thanked her for, BelTA reports

"The issue of whether to participate in the 2020 elections was discussed. As the President Administration’s Head at that time, I clearly understood that there was no person then able to take on the responsibility for the country and its people. When a decision [to participate in the Presidential campaign – BelTA’s remark] was made, I sincerely supported it. I understand it now as well: it there was no our President in 2020, would our country exist today? This is a big question," Ms. Kochanova said.

When answering the questions of those invited to the Address to the Belarusian People and National Assembly, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that he viewed his decision to participate in the last Presidential elections right. "Thank God I did not step aside from that elections. This is not my merit – but the merit of Kochanova. When we got together, I said it was time to leave. Enough is enough. I simply wish to live quietly,” he explained.

The Belarusian leader reminded, “I decided to participate in the Presidential campaign so that later – as Kochanova said – you would not reproach me. I literally said then, “If the country will suddenly turn upside down and something will happen wrong, you will not forgive me – saying that I have neglected those elections.” So I took part. I did not run an election campaign. I met with the activists and told them what was happening. I said: go and tell the people how we will live on."