Lukashenka seeks to present himself as strong leader and guarantor of political stability in Belarus

Supporting the existing socioeconomic model, pursuing Eurasian integration, normalizing relations with EU, balanced stance on Ukraine, keeping political regime are the key issues Lukashenka stressed.

On January 29th, President Lukashenka held a press conference for Belarusian and international media. The press conference set a new record – it lasted seven hours. The state-run media noted that the event was framed as an „open dialogue with the media‟. However, Lukashenka’s speech did not contain any new ideas, which could signal changes in Belarus’ socio-economic and political regime. The president believes, he can only retain his power if the current socioeconomic model is preserved. Such a model enables him to react to crippling recession with administrative measures. Since a while ago, independent social scientists have been noting the demand for changes in the Belarusian society and the Belarusian authorities are well aware of this. Nevertheless, president Lukashenka assured there were no plans to change the socioeconomic model despite society’s wishes: “I will not change it as long as I am the president. We have found this path, and we have to follow it and not freak out, especially during a crisis”. 

Simultaneously, the authorities continue to review their social contract with the population, albeit not willing to carry out structural economic reforms. The president has once again reiterated that one should not wait for a pay rise. He also spoke against so-called ‘social parasites’: “Everyone should work for the state‟s benefit”. The authorities do not offer any improvements to the people’s well-being however suggest leaning on a strong leader amid security threats in the region. While speaking at the press conference, Lukashenka touched upon the events in Ukraine numerous times and underscored that such events would be impossible in Belarus under his rule. The president also spoke about the Eurasian integration, which seemed less attractive amid recession in Russia and Russo-Belarusian ‘trade wars’. Lukashenka underscored, “Belarus might leave the Eurasian Economic Union should the agreements are not adhered to”. However, it is hard to believe that the Belarusian authorities are seriously thinking about quitting the Union. Most likely, this phrase was designed to strengthen Belarus’ positions in case of another spiral of tension with the Kremlin. 

President Lukashenka assured that he wanted to normalize the relations with the West. However, official Minsk was not ready to take even symbolic steps and to fulfill the only requirement by the West – to release remaining political prisoners. The president is unlikely to change his attitude towards his political opponents and is not willing to enter a dialogue with society. For example, during the 2009 thaw in Belarus-EU relations, and Advisory Council was set up under the Presidential Administration auspices. The Council included economists, media chief editors, heads of business associations, and some opposition members. Recently, the president spoke against any advisory boards: “We will not create any boards, especially political boards”. 

All in all, the authorities aim at preserving the existing political and socioeconomic model and will respond to crisis manifestations with ad hoc administrative measures. 

Solidarity with Belarus Information Office