The Bundestag adopted a resolution according to which Germany does not recognize the results of the presidential elections in Belarus. The document says that Alexander Lukashenko secured his victory in the elections with the help of falsifications. The Bundestag called for new elections with the participation of OSCE observers.
“The elections were neither free nor fair. Large-scale election fraud is confirmed without a doubt. The new term of Alyaksandr Lukashenka is thus deprived of any democratic legitimation, ”the resolution says (. pdf ). It notes that Mr. Lukashenko achieved victory through “massive falsifications” and arrests of his competitors.
The Bundestag condemned the violence against protesters, the detention of people for political reasons and called for their immediate release. The resolution states that Belarus should "be allowed to hold fair and free elections under international supervision through the OSCE or other suitable institutions."
The resolution was supported by the ruling bloc of the CDU /CSU, factions of the SPD (Social Democratic Party of Germany), the Union "90 /Greens", the FDP (Free Democratic Party). The AfD ("Alternative for Germany") faction spoke out against, the "Left" faction abstained.
The presidential elections in Belarus were held in August. According to the Central Election Commission, Alexander Lukashenko won with a score of over 80%. After that, protests began in the country. In September, the inauguration of Mr. Lukashenko took place, the ceremony was not announced in advance. The EU called it illegitimate.
Permanent representatives of the EU member states on Wednesday approved new sanctions against officials of Belarus. President of the republic Alexander Lukashenko was also included in the sanctions list.
“The ambassadors approved a new black list, which includes representatives of the authorities, including Lukashenka,” said a diplomatic source in the EU. He added that the decision will enter into force after approval by the EU Council and publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
