Lukashenka's Lonely Inauguration: No Pomp Under These Circumstances

Lukashenka's motorcade moves along the empty Independence Avenue in Minsk, which was closed to traffic in the morning.

The streets around Independence Palace were empty ahead of the secret inauguration.

A large number of security officers were seen near Independence Palace, where the swearing-in ceremony took place.

Independence Avenue was closed for traffic.

Security vehicles near Independence Palace

The empty streets of Minsk on September 23

Lukashenka's motorcade on its way to the swearing-in ceremony

Lukashenka was sworn in for a sixth term in front of several senior officials. He put his right hand on the constitution and took the oath of office, before signing it.