Alexander Lukashenko inaugurated as president of Belarus in secret ceremony

The embattled Belarusian leader was sworn in for his sixth term in Minsk, despite ongoing protests over his disputed re-election

European Union foreign ministers failed to agree sanctions over the political crisis, while Germany said it does not recognise Lukashenko as president

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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko takes the oath of office during his inauguration ceremony at the Palace of Independence in Minsk on Wednesday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 10:01pm, 23 Sep 2020Updated: 4:32am, 24 Sep 2020

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko took the oath of office at a secret ceremony on Wednesday in a move his opponents attributed to his desire to avoid crowds of demonstrators who have held historic protests against his disputed re-election.

Lukashenko has faced massive demonstrations against his rule since claiming victory with more than 80 per cent in a presidential election on August 9, with tens of thousands marching at the latest protest in the capital Minsk on Sunday.

The date of his inauguration for a sixth term had not been announced, but on Wednesday morning, the Belta state news agency broke the news that “Alexander Lukashenko has taken office as president of Belarus.”

Belta said the ceremony was taking place “in these minutes” in the Palace of Independence where the president has his offices and which has been a focus of demonstrations.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s inauguration at the Palace of the Independence in Minsk. Photo: AP

The announcement came after independent media reported that Lukashenko’s motorcade had raced through the capital, prompting speculation that the inauguration was due to take place. The ceremony was not shown live on state television.