All trends
The authorities kept the local elections low profile and the power block focused on large retailers
Annual review 2017: a subtle request for updates in the institutional design of power
The authorities encourage business initiative, enhance domestic security and bolster pressure on independent media
The Belarusian authorities demonstrate interest in further visa liberalization; the media coverage of the local elections has increased
The trend towards economic liberalization has anchored; the president focused on the regions
The Belarusian authorities curb political activity during the election campaign and resume populism
The Belarusian leadership restrains economic reforms and disregards requests for political reforms from some executives
Law enforcement steps up pressure on protest leaders; reformists promote their agenda at KEF-2017
The Belarusian government is redistributing state support and reforming housing and communal services due to cooperation with international banks
The state is relaxing business environment to make up for reduced social protection
Belarusian authorities weaken pressure on business, but gloss over security forces pressure on opposition
Lukashenka retains monopoly in determining security policy of Belarus
Belarusian authorities bolster tension in protest movement and relax business environment
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