President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said that if a “real dictatorship” existed in the country, he would have forced all citizens to travel exclusively on bicycles, RIA Novosti writes.
The head of state made his statement during a visit to a motorcycle plant in Minsk. Lukashenka assured that he is a big fan of two-wheeled transport and stressed that it is accessible to everyone. “If we had a real dictatorship, I would have banned driving around Minsk by car – only on bicycles. That would be great,” the president said.
The Belarusian leader added that he loved bicycles since childhood, and if his fate had turned out differently, he would have devoted much more time to cycling. Lukashenka also promised to support the production of bicycles in the country. In his opinion, the competition in this market is very strong, because it is better “than football or hockey”.
Earlier, Lukashenka promised “not to let loose” any company that refuses to cooperate with the authorities and stressed that the country’s leadership “will never kneel before private owners.” “I am a state man and I will demand as an authoritarian leader or, as you wish, a dictator,” the president said.
In Belarus, protests have been going on for more than six months after the presidential elections on August 9, 2020. The actions are harshly suppressed by the police and riot police. Tens of thousands of people were detained, many spoke of torture and beatings in isolation wards. Four people were killed in clashes with security forces, dozens were sentenced to imprisonment.