We want all Belarusians who fear persecution to know Europe stands by them and will not leave them

Despite warnings, President Lukashenko again used brutal force against demonstrators. It’s given Poland and our EU partners no choice but to react immediately, says Marcin Przydacz

Belarusian opposition supporters protest against presidential election results in Minsk (Reuters)

Belarus is in a deep political crisis – the origins of which lie inside the country and is a consequence of political and economic stagnation over the last 30 years. In the case of all authoritarian regimes, democratic protests are a matter of time. The only question remains: when will they happen? And how long will they last until they lead to the fall of the government? The fraudulent presidential elections triggered Belarussian society’s clear answer: it is now.  

Poland has always strived to develop good relations with all our neighbours. Together with the European Union, we have lifted sanctions and invested in contacts with the Belarusian administration in a genuine effort to support political reforms and economic development of the country. Despite many warnings, President Lukashenko decided to yet again breach international electoral standards and to use brutal force against peaceful protesters.  

It has given us in the EU and in other democratic quarters no choice but to react immediately. Poland remains at the forefront of this reaction with another €12m (£10.9) “Solidarity Plan for Belarus”. We want all those Belarusians who fear persecution to know that Europe stands by them and will not leave them without support. We want those who require medical treatment to know they can receive it in Poland. As part of the Solidarity Plan, Poland granted the opposition a permanent seat in Warsaw. “The Belarussian House” is a safe space allowing them to formulate their future plans, communicate with the Belarussian society and remain visible on the international scene.