Belarusian President reinforces executive branch before elections

Last week, President Lukashenka relieved Aleksander Mezhuev of his duties as the Security Council Secretary “in connection with difficult family circumstances”. In addition, the president has reshuffled staff in the Belarusian army, some ministries and in the regions, inter alia, replaced some deputy chairmen at regional executive committees and chairmen at district executive committees. Ahead of the presidential campaign, President Lukashenka is attempting to strengthen the weakest, in his opinion, links in the executive branch, which will be responsible for organizing and conducting the electoral campaign. In addition, the Belarusian government has focused on keeping the army on high combat alert in the face of possible political tension in the country. Staff changes are also likely in the power structures before the election date is announced.