24 Apr, 2024
On last week’s International Day of Solidarity with Belarus, several ALDE Party members took action to show their support to the people of Belarus and their continuous fight for freedom and democracy. The day was established by opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to mark the six months that have passed since the country’s 2020 presidential elections.
In Lithuania, ALDE members Laisvės partija and Liberalų sąjūdis launched campaigns to mark this important occasion.
Laisvės partija called for citizens to march for freedom, with the goal of gathering six million steps to symbolise these past six months of fighting for free Belarus.
Time to step up our efforts! Join the day of Solidarity with #Belarus initiative #StandWithBelarus Let's reach 6 million steps till 7 February and show the world that every step matters when it leads to #FreeBelarus #Laisvėsžingsniai @Tsihanouskaya @Ausrine0 @LRSeimas pic.twitter.com/SCjXH22HQF
— Laisvės partija (@laisvespartija) February 4, 2021
Liberalų sąjūdis drew attention to the political prisoners of Belarus who live in fear and uncertainty. The party encouraged everyone to write messages to these prisoners to show solidarity with their fight.
In Latvia, ALDE members Kustība Par! and Latvijas attīstībai also marked the occasion in a range of ways.
In Riga, led by Mayor Mārtiņš Staķis, several of the city’s landmarks were illuminated in the colours of red and white and a special video greeting was reflected on the river Daugava. The party also encouraged everyone to do their part in supporting the Belarusian opposition, from marching to sharing supportive messages on social media.
Lai dzīvo demokrātiska Baltkrievija! #ЖывеБеларусь #standwithbelarus https://t.co/1O16lRlAqP
— Kustība "Par!" (@KustibaPar) February 7, 2021
In their message, Latvijas attīstībai highlighted the importance of solidarity and reminded that the people of Belarus are not alone in their fight.
In Estonia, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas shared a message of support with Belarus, featuring the country's seat of government in the colours of white and red.
The People of Belarus are not isolated in Europe. We #StandWithBelarus for human rights, freedom and democracy. Today we are showing solidarity by displaying Belarusian 🤍❤️🤍 colors on Stenbock House – seat of the Estonian Government. pic.twitter.com/iuPoholwKZ
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) February 7, 2021
ALDE Party President Hans van Baalen supports all statements of solidarity with the people of Belarus and the democratic opposition noting that "without strong measures against the real ruler of Belarus, Russian president Vladimir Putin, nothing will change. As the Borrell fiasco shows, Putin's Russia will only listen to EU–US sanctions. The Nordstream 2 project should be suspended!"
This important day was marked by several Renew Europe MEPs, with President of the Renew Europe Group Dacian Cioloş applauding the initiative and reaffirming the Group’s determination to stand by the people of Belarus to make their voice heard and respected.
European Commissioners Věra Jourová also shared her commitment to stand with Belarus, reminding that while the fight for democracy can be long and challenging, it also leads to success.
I, like millions of Europeans, grew up behind the Iron Curtain. While the struggle for democracy may be lengthy and challenging, history reminds us of its inevitable success. I am proud to #StandWithBelarus. https://t.co/fMhbj2YNWS
— Věra Jourová (@VeraJourova) February 7, 2021
The ALDE Party has been committed to the fight of the Belarusian people and has been showing its support from organising a virtual protest to highlighting the four pillars of the Belarusian protest.
