A government exit poll said Aleksandr Lukashenko had won almost 80 percent of the vote. That triggered protests against the repressive regime, and a heavy police response.
Tag: Lukashenko, Aleksandr G
Aleksandr Lukashenko Increasingly in Peril as Belarus Election Nears
For 26 years, Aleksandr G. Lukashenko has ruled Belarus as if it were his personal fief. In his sixth presidential election, the result is not in doubt, but he is being challenged like never before.
Belarus Says Russian Mercenaries Planned to Disrupt August Election
State media says 33 Russian fighters have been arrested in Belarus, dramatically escalating a feud between longtime allies.
Political Grip Shaky, Belarus Leader Blames Longtime Ally: Russia
Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, who used to call his political foes stooges of the West, is now trying to play on anti-Russian sentiment at home and abroad.
‘There Are no Viruses Here’: Leader of Belarus Scoffs at Lockdowns
Under the autocratic rule of President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, Belarus has yet to impose any restrictions to slow the virus. No, everything is not fine.
‘The Fields Heal Everyone’: Post-Soviet Leaders’ Coronavirus Denial
The heads of several former Soviet republics have persisted in playing down the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, with some also promoting unproven folk remedies.
Putin Rejects Oil Deal With Belarus, Increasing Pressure for Merger
President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko pressed for cheap energy to aid his ailing economy during a “moment of truth” meeting with President Putin.
Over Local Objections, China Muscles Into Belarus
A Chinese battery plant has raised local ire, but Belarus, like Russia, needs the economic lifeline and cannot expect much help from Europe.
As Putin Pushes a Merger, Belarus Resists With Language, Culture and History
With President Vladimir Putin of Russia looking to accelerate moves toward a “union state,” Belarusians are promoting a stronger sense of their own national identity.
belarus dispatch: Want to Relax? Try the Spa in a Salt Mine in Belarus
To some, the suggestion of a visit to the salt mines evokes grim memories of prison camps. But allergy sufferers swear by the health benefits.