Macron visits Tsikhanouskaya in Lithuania: A public gesture of support for the Belarusian opposition

(Patria) – Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met on Monday with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is visiting Lithuania.

As reported by her media channel, Tsikhanouskaya spoke about the need for new presidential elections in Belarus, as well as the expectation that other EU countries will support democratic changes in her country.

After the meeting, Macron stated that he had a 'good conversation' with the Belarusian politician:

- Now we must be pragmatic and support the people of Belarus, and we will do so, he told reporters.

During a press conference on Monday, he praised Tsikhanouskaya for her courage and stated that (France) 'does not recognize Lukashenko's election, and therefore not his status as president'.

Belarus has been shaken by mass protests against the re-election of long-time ruler Alexander Lukashenko since August 9, when the election results were announced. He is alleged to be behind the rigging of the elections.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya operates from exile in Lithuania, while the government is 'hot on the heels' of other prominent opposition figures.