Boxer Alexander Ustinov: Change Of Power Must Occur

The country needs a fresh look at events.

Boxer Alexander Ustinov in an interview with “Tribuna” discussed the political situation in Belarus.

- Do you monitor the election situation?

- Of course, like all residents. Everyone is chained to the TV anyway, and everyone is watching. All gadgets are configured for this.

- Has anyone already won your sympathy?

- Many people supported the former head of Belgazprombank. The man was at such a level that he supervised a huge number of people. I think that he probably could manage the country. He is impressive. True, I have no right to vote. I represent Belarus, but I have a Russian passport.

The foreigners who organize tournaments constantly ask: “Do you live in Belarus?” I answer: “Yes, in Minsk.” I live in Belarus, but I have Russian citizenship. I have a residence permit in Belarus. They say: “Well, if you live in Belarus, it means that you are Belarusian.” I say, “Good.”

In America, once the entertainer took it so close, that I explained it all to him. And he said: “A proud Russian living in Belarus.” This he said in Madison Square Garden to all the stands. Well, okay - I had to beat an American.

- Do you now feel more like a Belarusian or a Russian?

- I have lived here for 20 years. Probably, until the end of my days I will be Russian. But I love Belarus, this is the country of my children. God forbid something bad happens - I’ll go to defend this country. This is the birthplace of my child. I live here.

The same Mulyavin is a Siberian man, like me. Only he is from the Urals. And he is the visiting card of the Belarusian song.

- How do you feel about the protests that are taking place across the country?

- This is one of the components of democratic elections. And in any country, there must be an opposition, that would be against. The opposition should be in any country. It will always be there. Even, probably, in monarchical countries there are people who are against the power.

- Is the institute of change of power a necessary thing for Belarus? Is it necessary to limit the number of presidential terms to two?

- 100 %. Be that as it may, people get bored of something, somewhere the eye gets blurred, somewhere a fresh look is needed. There is a proverb: “A new broom sweeps in a new way.” A change of power must occur.