Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus' long-time leader, celebrated his 30th anniversary in power on Saturday, making him one of the world's longest-serving heads of state.
Lukashenko first took office on July 20, 1994, after Belarus' first post-Soviet elections. Over the decades, he has maintained a tight grip on power, aligning closely with Vladimir Putin's Russia, implementing Soviet-style economic controls, and harshly suppressing dissent.
The 2020 election, widely regarded as rigged, sparked massive protests that were violently suppressed, leading to thousands of arrests and numerous reports of torture. Despite Western sanctions and isolation, Lukashenko remains defiant, announcing plans to run for a seventh term next year.
Political analyst Artyom Shraibman noted Belarus' dependence on Russia, likening it to resource-reliant regimes. "Belarus relies on Russia for its political stability," Shraibman said.
In 2022, Lukashenko allowed Russia to use Belarusian territory to launch its invasion of Ukraine. Under his rule, Belarus retains its Soviet-era security agency, the KGB, and remains the only European country with capital punishment.
Rumors of Lukashenko's declining health persist, though he denies them. His frequent appearances with his youngest son, Nikolai, have sparked speculation about a potential successor.
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