Lukashenka Instructs Propagandists and Election Commission Members

Lukashenka is instructing teachers and heads of state media ahead of the active phase of the presidential campaign. Ideologists are receiving additional funding to expand the audience of their media outlets. Teachers are promised salary increases for ensuring the “correct” results in the public vote.

Lukashenka has instructed the leadership of state media on campaigning in his support during the 2025 presidential campaign. The focus was on more subtle approaches to influencing public opinion rather than overt propaganda. The politician is likely concerned about the potential backlash from excessive campaigning, which could increase protest voting. The dictator is worried that society might support any alternative candidate due to fatigue from Lukashenka’s long rule.

In turn, state media are counting on substantial investments ahead of the electoral campaign. Propagandists have already announced the launch of a new state TV channel. Additionally, ideologists plan to allocate funds for a Belarusian clone of the YouTube video hosting platform.

Belarus has repeatedly attempted to create national social networks, but these initiatives have failed to compete with Russian or international counterparts. For example, one of the largest social networks in the Belarusian internet space, VSeti.by, launched in 2008. However, the project was closed in 2016 due to financial problems.

Most likely, the new state video hosting platform will meet the same fate: closure after state funding runs out. The ruling class has a habit of investing significant resources into state companies and large-scale projects, despite their lack of profitability.

Where do the funds for such projects come from? The Belarusian establishment reallocates money from profitable sectors of the economy—most often from private businesses. Propagandists are also counting on investments from Russian partners as part of union programs. Moreover, after 2020, the ruling class increased financial sanctions and expropriations of private businesses, as well as seizing assets from opponents.

In addition to propagandists, Lukashenka met with teachers at a pedagogical meeting. Teachers form the backbone of local election commissions. The dictator instructed the active members on how to conduct themselves during the presidential campaign. After the large-scale purges following the 2020 elections, only loyal individuals remain among the teachers participating in the meeting (who are also members of election commissions). The politician promised to raise the salaries of educational workers to the average national level in 2025. Starting in September, some teachers will experience an increase due to bonuses and a higher base rate.

Thus, Lukashenka is holding meetings with those responsible for various aspects of conducting the presidential campaign to consolidate support around the dictator.