by
All trends

The ruling elite

Lukashenka pivots to populism as the state apparatus seeks to suppress inflation

October 3 – October 9

Lukashenka delays the introduction of the collegial management; the regime offers a dialogue with the loyalist opposition

September 26 – October 2

Lukashenka makes contradictory statements regarding dissidents. Conciliatory gestures mixed with support for further repression

September 19 – September 25

Continuing repression of activists and coercion of loyalty from private businesses

September 12 – September 18

The ruling class aims to soften the regime’s image, but security forces insist on the logic of repression

September 5 – September 11

The support base of Lukashenka’s regime narrows as demands for more collegial decision-making grow

August 29 – September 4

The authorities foment fear in society as Lukashenka directs the creation of government-aligned “NGOs”

August 22 – August 28

Increased government intervention in the economy and dysfunction in public administration

August 15 – August 21

Direct control of the economy, increased censorship, and persecution of cultural dissidents

August 8 – August 14

The authorities seize resources from businesses and banks as well as purge some ideologists and siloviki

August 1 – August 7

Regional authorities mobilisation for harvest time; state investment in the economy returns

July 25 – July 31

Redistribution of income to the regime; coerced loyalty of the population

July 18 – July 24

The authorities repress civil society and trade unions while continuing with expropriations from businesses

July 11 – July 17

Derogation of responsibility from the state to citizens and businesses in the social sphere

July 4 – July 10

Polls suggest confidence in state institutions is rising, though security forces continue to compel obedience

June 27 – July 3

The authorities cut social guarantees as security forces stamp out dissent

June 20 – June 26

Lukashenka exerts direct control as imbalances in the state apparatus grow

June 13 – June 19

Unbalanced economic policy, purging disloyal investors and entrepreneurs

June 6 – June 12

Restrictions on competition in the medical sphere as authorities impose price controls

May 30 – June 5

The state expands surcharges to taxi drivers and traders as state budgets are redistributed to the security forces

May 23 – May 29

The state monopolises medical services; Beltelecom aims for total video surveillance

May 16 – May 22

The ruling class engages in liberal rhetoric while restructuring the private medical sector to favour regime allies

May 9 – May 15

Restrictions on medical businesses, tobacco, and investment; redistribution in favour of state business and loyalist entrepreneurs

May 2 – May 8

Repressions in the banking and public sectors; seizures in anticipation of sanctions effects

April 25 – May 1

Escalation of repression but forced concessions for business

April 18 – April 24

The siloviki strengthen their position in the leadership, the influence of the National Bank on economic policy falters

April 11 – April 17

The authorities are raising tax rates on the population and business as the security forces maintain repression

April 4 – April 10

Competition for resources intensifies amongst the ruling class as the state increases confiscations from dissidents

March 28 – April 3

The regime placates loyalists by avoiding direct participation in aggression; direct control of the economy intensifies

March 21 – March 27

The struggle for the minds of loyalists as contradictory measures to support the economy are announced

March 14 – March 20

The government reassures the population as security forces repress dissidents

March 7 – March 13

The regime widens divisions in society as state propaganda aligns with the Kremlin war agenda

February 28 – March 6

The referendum proceeds as loyalists are indoctrinated with the Kremlin agenda

February 21 – February 27

The referendum picks up pace. State media adjusts its approach, and government-sponsored NGOs (GoNGOs) take centre stage

February 14 – February 20

The regime does not feel the need to expand its support base; security forces continue to repress activism in society

February 7 – February 13

Public sector purges continue. Loyalists will ensure a required referendum turnout

January 31 – February 6

Lukashenka gradually regains his status as security forces continue large-scale purges before the referendum

January 17 – January 23