The Belarusian opposition is the enemy of the people, President Alexander Lukashenko said.
"They are not even an opposition. They are the enemies of the people," he said, adding that the opposition was always trying to undermine the country by siding with Belarus's enemies.
The Belarusian parliament has set presidential elections for December 19. Lukashenko earlier hinted that he would take part in the elections, but has so far made no official statement on the matter.