In a world where political power can be a dangerous game, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the accidental president-in-exile of Belarus, is a force to be reckoned with. Her journey to Australia is a carefully planned mission, as she navigates the risks of extradition and the constant threats to her life.
Tikhanovskaya, an outspoken opponent of Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian ally, Alexander Lukashenko, faces the chilling reality of being a top target for assassination. Yet, she bravely continues her global travels, advocating for liberty in her beloved homeland, which she was forced to leave, finding sanctuary in Lithuania.
The European Parliament has recognized her as the legitimate president-elect of Belarus, a nation ranked as the 16th most authoritarian in the world. Despite this, Tikhanovskaya remains optimistic, believing that a democratic Belarus is within her reach, and perhaps even her presidency.
During her time in Australia, Tikhanovskaya has a busy schedule, meeting with key figures like Foreign Minister Penny Wong, former prime ministers, and members of the Belarusian diaspora. However, one notable absence is a meeting with Anthony Albanese, a gap she hopes to fill.
"Australia has an influential voice on the global stage," she emphasizes. "It's crucial that Belarus steps out of the shadows and that our struggle for democracy is recognized. Politically, Australia has the power to make a significant impact."
With a keen eye on strategy, Tikhanovskaya urges Albanese to consider the situation in Belarus, especially given that Putin launched his ground assault on Kyiv from Belarusian soil. She believes that Ukraine's safety is intertwined with the removal of Lukashenko, Putin's puppet, from power.
A leaked document from Putin's office reveals Russia's plan to take full control of Belarus by 2030, a merger that Tikhanovskaya sees as a threat to her nation's sovereignty. "We face the same enemy: Russia's imperialistic ambitions. If we don't set boundaries for dictators, they will continue to push further."
Tikhanovskaya's journey to becoming a presidential candidate is an inspiring one. Growing up in southern Belarus, near the Chernobyl exclusion zone, she spent summers in Ireland through a charity program. After studying teaching, she met her husband, a nightclub owner, and later put her career on hold to care for their children, including a son with hearing impairment.
When her husband, Sergei Tikhanovsky, began challenging Lukashenko's rule and organizing protests, he was imprisoned for 18 years. Tikhanovskaya's decision to run for president in 2020 was a symbolic act of love and defiance.
"I was an accidental candidate," she admits. "But my campaign gained momentum, and here I am."
Her husband's surprising release in 2023, after five years of solitary confinement, is a testament to her theory that Lukashenko feared their influence. "We complement each other," she asserts.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who will meet with Tikhanovskaya, acknowledges the dire situation in Belarus, commending her bravery and fight for democracy and human rights.
The Australian government has sanctioned Lukashenko and his regime, imposing tariffs on Belarusian imports. However, Tikhanovskaya wants more extensive sanctions and support for Lithuania's bid to charge Lukashenko with crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court.
She also proposes the creation of a parliamentary group to support democratic Belarus, highlighting the historical ties between Belarusians and Anzacs during World War I. "Australians must cherish their freedoms and support those fighting for democracy."
On the topic of Putin's war in Ukraine, Tikhanovskaya urges the Australian government to take action to stop the imports of Russian oil, which enters Australia via intermediaries like India. According to research, Australia imported a significant amount of oil refined from Russian crude between 2023 and 2025.
Despite the challenges, Tikhanovskaya remains hopeful. "Dictators are not immortal or almighty. We must do everything to make their lives difficult."
As she continues her fight for democracy, Tikhanovskaya's message to Albanese and the world is clear: stand up to dictators and support those fighting for freedom.
