In a world where unexpected paths lead to powerful voices, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the accidental president-in-exile of Belarus, has a story that demands attention. Her journey, fraught with danger and determination, brings her to Australia, a country that holds the key to unlocking a brighter future for her homeland.
Tikhanovskaya's meticulous planning for her trip to Australia reflects the constant threat she faces. As an outspoken opponent of Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian ally, Alexander Lukashenko, she knows the risks all too well. With two Australian bodyguards by her side, we meet in Sydney, a city that serves as a temporary haven for this brave leader.
But here's where it gets controversial: Tikhanovskaya claims she won the 2020 Belarus election, yet Lukashenko declared a landslide victory for himself. The European Parliament recognizes her as the legitimate president-elect, but Belarus remains one of the most authoritarian countries globally.
"It's a strategy of fear," she says, referring to Russia's tactics. "But our strength lies in overcoming this fear."
During her time in Australia, Tikhanovskaya has a busy schedule, meeting with key figures like Foreign Minister Penny Wong and former prime ministers. However, one notable absence is a meeting with Anthony Albanese, a gap she hopes to fill.
"Australia's voice is powerful on the world stage," she emphasizes. "We need Belarus to step out of the shadows, for our fight for democracy to be recognized."
Tikhanovskaya urges Albanese to consider Belarus strategically, especially given Putin's ground assault on Kyiv launched from Belarusian soil. She believes Ukraine's safety is intertwined with the fate of Belarus, where sovereignty is under threat from Russia's imperialistic ambitions.
A leaked document from Putin's office outlines a plan to control Belarus by 2030, a chilling reminder of the stakes. "We must draw red lines for dictators," she says, "or they will keep pushing."
This activist's journey is extraordinary. From her humble beginnings as the daughter of a concrete factory driver and a cafeteria cook to becoming an accidental presidential candidate, Tikhanovskaya's story is one of love, courage, and a deep sense of purpose.
Her husband, Sergei Tikhanovsky, a nightclub owner turned political challenger, inspired her to run for president in 2020. Despite her lack of political experience, her campaign gained momentum, and she became a symbol of hope for many Belarusians.
Tikhanovskaya's theory about her husband's recent release from prison is intriguing. She believes Lukashenko's regime feared their growing influence, but she assures, "We complement each other."
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who will meet Tikhanovskaya, acknowledges the dire situation in Belarus, praising her bravery and commitment to democracy and human rights.
The Australian government has sanctioned Lukashenko and his officials, but Tikhanovskaya wants more. She calls for extensive sanctions and support for Lithuania's bid to charge Lukashenko with crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court.
She also proposes a parliamentary group to support democratic Belarus, highlighting the historical ties between Belarusians and Australians during World War I.
On the topic of Putin's war in Ukraine, Tikhanovskaya wants Australia to stop the imports of Russian oil, even if it means cutting off intermediaries like India. She believes this is crucial to weakening Russia's grip on the region.
Despite Lukashenko's hold on power, Tikhanovskaya remains optimistic about a democratic future for Belarus. As she steps out of the Uber, the driver expresses gratitude for her efforts, and she responds with a powerful message: "Dictators are not invincible. We must make their lives difficult."
As Tikhanovskaya's story unfolds, it leaves us with a thought-provoking question: In a world where power dynamics shift unexpectedly, how can we ensure that democracy prevails and voices like hers are heard?
