The ruling elite

The authorities kept the local elections low profile and the power block focused on large retailers

January 8 – January 14

Annual review 2017: a subtle request for updates in the institutional design of power

January 1 – January 7

The authorities encourage business initiative, enhance domestic security and bolster pressure on independent media

December 11 – December 17

The Belarusian authorities demonstrate interest in further visa liberalization; the media coverage of the local elections has increased

December 4 – December 10

The trend towards economic liberalization has anchored; the president focused on the regions

November 20 – November 26

The Belarusian authorities curb political activity during the election campaign and resume populism

November 13 – November 19

The Belarusian leadership restrains economic reforms and disregards requests for political reforms from some executives

November 6 – November 12

Law enforcement steps up pressure on protest leaders; reformists promote their agenda at KEF-2017

October 30 – November 5

The Belarusian government is redistributing state support and reforming housing and communal services due to cooperation with international banks

October 23 – October 29

The state is relaxing business environment to make up for reduced social protection

October 16 – October 22

Belarusian authorities weaken pressure on business, but gloss over security forces pressure on opposition

October 9 – October 15

Lukashenka retains monopoly in determining security policy of Belarus

October 9 – October 15

Belarusian authorities bolster tension in protest movement and relax business environment

October 2 – October 8