Embattled Belarus leader jeered by workers as strikes grow

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By YURAS KARMANAU

MINSK, Belarus (AP) — Workers heckled and jeered President Alexander Lukashenko on Monday as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power.

On the ninth straight day of mass protests over the official results of the Aug. 9 presidential election that demonstrators say was rigged, Lukashenko flew by helicopter to a factory in the capital of Minsk to rally support, but he was met by angry workers chanting, “Go away!”

He told the workers: “I will never cave in to pressure.”

Lukashenko said the country could have a new presidential election, but only after approving an amended version of its constitution in a nationwide referendum — an apparent bid to buy some time amid the growing political crisis.



People block a car carrying Uladzimir Karanik, Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus during a rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled and jeered President Alexander Lukashenko on Monday as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)


Read more: https://apnews.com/d67642e432766cd663181a0ee2992cd5

[LiberalLovinLug]

1. Democratic voters should take note

This is what may be necessary in November.

We simply cannot accept results if he wins by destroying the postal service, and the majority of votes. Which no doubt will favour Democrats.

[PSPS]

2. Won't be as easy for putin to send tanks here as he offerred to do for Belarus

[sandensea]

3. Putin no doubt believes the CIA is behind this - which could make things VERY interesting for Cheeto

[bucolic_frolic]

4. Once the strikes start, a leader's time is limited

because strikes mean communication among the masses, first it's factories and large facilities, then unions and transportation, by then wives and girlfriends are abuzz, that spreads to police and military. Once the enforcement arms of government soften, the government is over.

[BigmanPigman]

5. Fucking A!

Fuck dictators, especially those affiliated with Putin.

[marble falls]

6. He might do well to remember Nicolae Ceaușescu who was brought down in the middle of a speech.

[paleotn]

7. Que Putin's tanks in...3...2...1...