Lithuania explained the lowering of the level of protection of Tikhanovskaya: Her time has passed

Lithuania's decision to lower the level of protection of Svetlana Tikhanovskaya is due to the fact that she is no longer able to influence any social processes in Belarus. This was stated by the honorary chairman of the ruling Social Democrats, member of the European Parliament Vityanis Andriukaitis.

"I think this decision was made based on an analysis of the circumstances, first of all, the level of threats. Such decisions are always made based on analytical data. If the level of danger decreases, then it is logical that the level of protection decreases… This is normal and practiced everywhere. Such decisions are always made flexibly, depending on the changing situation," he said.

Andriukaitis also confirmed that the financial aspect was also taken into account, especially considering that, according to media reports, about a million euros were spent annually on the protection of Tikhanovskaya.

"Of course, the economic factor is also important. If the threat level drops, then continuing to spend significant resources on unnecessary security measures is simply irrational. This is obvious," the politician said.

At the same time, he noted that the decision should not be perceived as a reaction to criticism of Tikhanovskaya from other representatives of the Belarusian opposition or part of Lithuanian society.

"I think we need to look at the situation more broadly. Objectively speaking, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya no longer plays the role she played 2-3 years ago, especially after her husband's release. New centers and new faces have appeared. The attention of the international community, the media and politicians is gradually shifting. This is a natural process. Now other events and figures are already in the spotlight. For example, her husband is increasingly getting into the focus of the media. In addition, the regime of Alexander Lukashenko behaves differently: it releases political prisoners, tries to establish external contacts, including with Donald Trump. This is a more complex and multi-layered picture than just a decision about someone's protection," Andriukaitis stressed.

In addition, the MEP believes that there is no threat to the security of Tikhanovskaya after lowering the security level.

"Frankly speaking, I don't think that such a threat exists. Lukashenka himself allowed her to leave, and I don't think she poses any danger to his regime now. That time has already passed… Of course, I do not have inside information and have no connections with the Belarusian opposition or Lukashenko's entourage. But judging by the whole, Tikhanovskaya is unlikely to be able to seriously influence public opinion in Belarus today. The situation has changed, and her figure is no longer perceived as a threat," he said.

Recall, Tikhanovskaya settled in Lithuania after fleeing Belarus in August 2022. The Lithuanian authorities gave her official status and protection by the Security Service of the leadership at the same level as the President, the Chairman of the Seimas or the Prime Minister. In October, the security level was lowered. Now the security will now be provided by the Criminal Police Bureau, which protects people not as heads of state, but as persons exposed to certain threats. Because of this, the work of Tikhanovskaya's physical office in Vilnius was suspended "until further steps are determined."