"Despite preferring a democratic leadership style, I find myself in a position that leans towards autocratic rule."
In a surprising announcement in August 2025, Alexander Lukashenko, the long-serving President of Belarus, declared that he would not be seeking another term. This decision marked the end of a political career that spanned over three decades.
Born in 1954, Lukashenko served in the border troops of the KGB of the USSR from 1975 to 1977. His political career began in earnest after his first presidential term, which he won in 1994 with 80.1% of the votes. Since then, he has been re-elected four more times, most recently in 2025. However, he has never held any political office other than the presidency.
One of Lukashenko's key initiatives during his tenure was the "State Program for the Revival and Development of the Village for 2005-2010". This programme led to the creation of many agro-towns, aiming to modernise rural Belarus.
Lukashenko's foreign policy has been characterised by a course of rapprochement with Russia. Since the beginning of his presidency, Belarus and Russia have interacted within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). In 2021, Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin approved 28 union programs for the integration of the two countries.
Lukashenko has also been a frequent guest in the Kremlin and has visited the island of Valamo with Putin multiple times in recent years. He has been awarded several Russian awards, including the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" II degree, the Order of Alexander Nevsky, and the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called.
Despite his close ties with Russia, Lukashenko has maintained Belarus's independence. This was evident in 2014, when the Minsk agreements, which ended the active phase of hostilities in eastern Ukraine, were signed in Belarus.
Lukashenko's tenure has not been without controversy. In 2020, large-scale protests demanding his resignation lasted for several months following the announcement of the election results. His statement that Belarusians are smart due to their ethnic diversity has also been met with criticism.
In his personal life, Lukashenko is a family man, with three children. Hockey with a puck is one of his main hobbies.
As Lukashenko steps down, he leaves behind a complex legacy. His tenure was marked by economic growth, political stability, and close ties with Russia, but also by controversies and protests. Regardless, his impact on Belarusian politics is undeniable, and his departure will undoubtedly mark a significant turning point in the country's history.
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