Alexander Lukashenko: A Three-Decade Dictatorship in Belarus

Alexander Lukashenko: Three Decades of Unwavering Power in Belarus

On Saturday, Alexander Lukashenko, the steadfast ruler of Belarus, commemorated his 30 years in power. Throughout this period, European leaders have cycled through various roles, yet Lukashenko has remained a constant presence, maintaining his grip on the nation by silencing dissent, imposing Soviet-style economic controls, and forming a close alliance with Russia. At times, he has even flirted with Western engagement.

At 69, Lukashenko has garnered the infamous title of “Europe’s last dictator” early in his tenure, a moniker he has lived up to consistently. As the leader of a nation straddling Russia, Ukraine, and NATO member states like Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, Lukashenko was re-elected for a sixth term in 2020. This election was widely condemned both domestically and internationally as fraudulent, with reports suggesting he garnered over 80% of the votes.

The election results sparked months of widespread protests, which were met with severe repression. A violent crackdown ensued, resulting in the incarceration of tens of thousands and numerous allegations of torture and beatings. Many political opponents remain imprisoned, while others have fled the country of 9.5 million. Despite facing Western sanctions and international isolation, Lukashenko remains unyielding, announcing plans to run for a seventh five-year term in the upcoming elections.

Russia: The Unwavering Support

Lukashenko’s prolonged political survival can be attributed to a combination of political cunning, brutality, and steadfast support from Russia. Most notably, in 2022, he permitted Moscow to utilize Belarusian territory for its invasion of Ukraine and subsequently agreed to host a portion of Russia’s tactical nuclear arsenal.

Valery Karbalevich, an independent political analyst, asserts, “Lukashenko has transformed Belarus into a remnant of the USSR, posing dangers not only to its own citizens but also threatening its Western neighbors with nuclear capabilities.” He characterizes Lukashenko as “one of the most seasoned post-Soviet politicians, adept at navigating the Kremlin’s sentiments while addressing the fears of his own populace.”

Rise to Power on Anti-Corruption Promises

Prior to his presidency, Lukashenko served as the head of an anti-corruption committee, where he made serious allegations against senior government officials and advocated for democratic elections. His political journey began when he was elected in July 1994, just two and a half years after Belarus achieved independence. He pledged to combat corruption and improve living standards that had plummeted amidst chaotic free-market reforms.

Demonstrating his admiration for the Soviet Union, Lukashenko quickly sought to alter the national flag through a referendum, reverting to a design reminiscent of the Soviet era. He also strengthened ties with Russia, advocating for the establishment of a new union state, likely with aspirations of leading it following a full merger.

Continued Use of Capital Punishment

Under Lukashenko’s regime, Belarus retained its Soviet-era KGB nomenclature for its top security agency and remains the only nation in Europe to practice capital punishment, executing individuals with a bullet to the back of the head. In the late 1990s, four prominent critics of Lukashenko mysteriously disappeared, with a Council of Europe investigation concluding that they were kidnapped and murdered by death squads linked to high-ranking Belarusian officials. The Belarusian government has consistently obstructed European efforts to investigate and prosecute the suspects.

Anatoly Lebedko, the leader of the now-outlawed United Civil Party of Belarus, remarked, “Lukashenko never cared about his reputation. He takes pride in identifying himself as a dictator and has boasted about being a pariah, even while facing public accusations of political killings and other serious crimes.”

Lukashenko often keeps his youngest son, 19-year-old Nikolai, close at official engagements, leading to speculation about grooming him as a potential successor. He cultivates a tough-guy image through sports such as hockey and skiing, claiming that his vigorous physical activity helped him recover quickly from COVID-19. However, in recent years, he has appeared less energetic, fueling rumors regarding his health, which he vehemently denies.

“I’m not going to die,” he declared last year. “You will have to endure my presence for quite a while.”