We investigate corruption, uncover fake news and analyze the news agenda. The BIC is a member of the global network of investigative journalists.
Our journalists are the recipients of the national award “Free Word” from the Association of Journalists of Belarus in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. At "Free Word" 2021 BIC’s team also received first place for Analytics
BIC is a member of the OCCRP (Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project)
We are also members of GIJN (Global Investigative Journalism Network)
"Who elected her? Nobody!" Gaydukevich compared how the heads of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of Hungary assumed their positions and made a mistake
Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected as head of the European Commission in July 2024, but not through a direct election.
Oleg Gaidukevich, a Belarusian pro-government politician, was outraged by Ursula von der Leyen's criticism of Viktor Orban. He explained his dissatisfaction by stating that von der Leyen was not elected to her position, unlike the democratically elected Prime Minister of Hungary. The Weekly Top Fake team fact-chekcked how these politicians obtained their positions.
On October 9, 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a strong rebuke to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, condemning his recent remarks that placed blame on Ukraine for the war and criticized the EU’s military support for Kyiv. Orban had suggested the bloc should halt its military assistance, advocating instead for individual countries to take national responsibility for their support.
Commenting on the political conflict during the state-run TV “Belarus 1” program “Editors' Club” broadcast on October 11, 2024, MP Oleg Gaidukevich described von der Leyen’s remarks as indicative of the undemocratic nature of the EU. Gaidukevich stated:
“Do you know how the Europeans characterized the conflict between Ursula and Orban? Leading European Telegram channels and media outlets wrote: “A person who was elected by no one…” This is Ursula. Who elected von der Leyen? No one! And yet she lectures and scolds, in our Belarusian slang, a person who was elected by the people. That's all you need to know about European democracy.”
Gaidukevich did not specify which European media outlets made these statements. The Weekly Top Fake team found no such reports.
Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected as head of the European Commission in July 2024, but not through a direct election. The vote was conducted by members of the European Parliament, who are directly elected by citizens of EU countries. Von der Leyen received 401 votes in favor, with 284 against.
Viktor Orban was elected Prime Minister of Hungary through a similar procedure: not by popular vote, but by parliamentary voting. He was re-elected for a fifth term as Prime Minister in 2022, receiving 133 votes in favor and 27 against.
