Matskevich believes that Tsikhanouskaya's Office undermined its authority by not participating in his game

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Office advisor Franak Viachorka. June 10, 2025. Photo by Tsikhanouskaya's Office

Last week, philosopher and methodologist Uladzimir Matskevich held an organizational-activity game for Belarusian politicians and activists in the Polish Tatras. For five days, about 60 people, according to the organizers, developed new approaches to political and social problems through conflict and collective thinking.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's Office was not officially represented at the game — neither by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya herself, nor by any of her advisors. Tsikhanouskaya sent a 21-minute video greeting outlining six problems for discussion. Pavel Latushka's team was also absent.

In an interview with "Euroradio," viewers asked Uladzimir Matskevich how it was possible to work without these main players?

"And who said they are the main ones?" — Matskevich parried.

Host Maria Voitovich had to explain to him that today Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's Office represents democratic forces, democratic Belarus. "She is perceived as a player on the international arena, she is invited to important events, something is discussed with her. And, probably, many people perceive the Office as such a central force."

"Well, that's what I'm saying — for now. As long as they are in this position, as long as they hold the agenda. And when you start delving into what the Office does, what Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya does... She keeps Belarus on the agenda. She reminds world leaders that we exist and so on.

If we dig into what has been done in this diplomatic-political-strategic sense, then various doubts and inconsistencies begin. And will what the Office is doing today actually lead to our return, to victory over the regime and so on?

And I'm not the only one saying that if everything continues as it is now, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya will face the fate of Ivonka Survila. That is, a completely symbolic figure, whose symbolism no one will dispute. But, having no influence or power, she can continue to meet with the first persons of states, then she will meet with second persons. And then everything will move towards so-called popular diplomacy," Matskevich predicted.

"And yet, they were absent, there was no representation, no advisors at the game. As if..." — the host tried to bring the philosopher back to the essence of the question.

"They weren't. And I discussed this even before the game, I knew this before the game. Well, I said that whoever doesn't participate, loses.

They somewhat undermined their authority on this, somewhat remained outside the new vision acquired by the game participants... It's not a defeat, but a certain concession. And if, for example, Viktar Babaryka, or Andrei Yahorau, or Knyrovich claimed a certain increase in their status and so on, then they raised their status. But Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Franak Viachorka slightly lowered theirs.

And I didn't do it, you know, they themselves refused, and that was known too. And a symbolic address via video... Well, you know, that's a "wedding general."

"Do Uladzimir Matskevich's games raise the status of Belarus's new political elite?" — summarized the host.

"I think so," — answered the philosopher.

• 3
• 1
• 13
• 25
• 0
• 1
• 1
• 1