Page 44 - bne IntelliNews monthly magazine September 2024

44 I Eastern Europe bne September 2024
IS Lukashenko sick again? He has been campaigning ahead of the 2025 presidential elections, but has been dogged by reports of failing health. / bne IntelliNews
primarily directed at Belarusian officials to quash discussions about a potential transfer of power. Lukashenko has made it clear that he intends to remain in office beyond 2025 and has already commenced his presidential campaign.
In an effort to enhance his personal image and garner support, Lukashenko is adopt- ing populist measures, albeit belatedly. Following the aftermath of a hurricane
tial chief of staff Natalia Petkevich to the Presidential Administration.
The state apparatus is facing a decline in governance quality due to a breakdown in feedback from the population. Indepen- dent analysts note that the ruling class prefers forceful methods to address social tension and repression. Regime enforcers are working to prevent new protests by conducting large-scale detentions of activ-
in 2022-2023. Courts are increasingly labelling materials and formations
as “extremist” and targeting regime opponents. Security forces are demon- stratively persecuting those who pro- tested against falsifications of the 2020 presidential election, with property expropriations from regime opponents persisting, Belarus in Focus reports.
Security forces maintain significant influence within the ruling class as the 2025 poll approaches. In the special commission responsible for selecting companies importing alcoholic products, officials are joined by tax officers and security personnel from the KGB, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Customs Committee. Officials have declared the preservation of the “Island of Cleanliness and Taste” brand, albeit under new ownership. This major Belarusian retailer faced serious financial problems after the arrest of its owners in 2022 and punitive expropriations amounting to $7mn.
Consequently, security forces are receiv- ing financial bonuses through addi- tional budget redistributions. The State Customs Committee will be allocated BYN2.24mn from the budget.
“Regime enforcers are working to prevent new protests by conducting large-scale detentions of activists known since 2020. The 2025 presidential campaign is being run in an atmosphere of repression and intimidation”
in the Gomel region, he flew to the Mazyr district for an inspection, attempting to channel public dissatisfaction with his administration's inconsistent response towards officials. Lukashenko appears
to be paying closer attention to public reaction to high-profile events, possibly influenced by the return of his influen-
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ists known since 2020. The 2025 presiden- tial campaign is being run in an atmo- sphere of repression and intimidation.
The already choking noose of Lukash- enko’s rule is being tightened further. The liquidation of public organisations continues, despite a massive purge