Uladzimir Matskevich steps down as civil society leader in Belarus

Ulad Vialichka has replaced Uladzimir Matskevich as the chairman of the Coordination Committee of the National Platform of Eastern Partnership's Civil Society Forum. Mr Matskevich, who described himself as the leader of civil society in Belarus just a couple of months ago, maintains a true leader does not need posts.

"A leader does not need positions or at least not always. The post is just a medium for achieving goals. In the beginning, I initiated the creation of the National Platform. Therefore, I had longed for and was occupying this chairing position."

Mr Matskevich says that if he wanted to, he would have won re-election as the chairman. He stresses that all his challengers chose to boycott the conference instead of constructive propositions. Out of 65 organizations that are members of the National Platform, only 44 have sent their delegates. The former chairman hopes that peace and quiet will prevail over emotions at the National Platform after his departure.

"My departure will foster peace and accord the National PLatform. It wil allow them to move forward. But my informal leadership will stay, since I will not stop making speeches and writing articles."

The new chairman of the Coordination Committee, Ulad Vialichka, was elected almost unanimously, while other contenders withdew in his support. As a result, Mr Vialichka received 37 out 44 votes. He says he shares the same views as Mr Matskevich but plans to use different methods.

"I would like to stress that my stance on the processes taking place in the country and on the condition and the role of the National PLatf does not differe from the the position of Uladzimir Matskevich. I stand on the same ground. But I have different answers to the questions of how the goals should be achieved. I reckon it will be benefitial for the whole process."

When asked about posstible presidential ambitions during the next election, Mr Vialichka does not have a direct answer. First, he claims that building the civil society in Belarus is far more important than political games. However, he also mentions vaguely some mid- and short-term perspectives.

"I think [my participation in the presidential race] is hardly a priority in the mid- or short-term perspective."

It is worth adding that Mr Vialichka has much bigger chances that Uladzimir Matskevich to be registered as a candidate by Lidzia Yarmoshyna who chairs the Central Election Commission. Mr Matskevich was not born on the territory of Belarus, a condition that rules him out of the potential presidential race.

It is yet to be seen in one year or one year and a half whether Ulad Vialichka grabs this opportunity and what Uladzimir Matkevich ends up By then, other potential leaders might have warmed up as well.

Photo by: Radio Svaboda