Alexander Lukashenko

Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko (also transliterated as Alyaksandr Ryhoravich Lukashenka; born 30 August 1954) is a Belarusian politician who has held the presidency of Belarus since the office's establishment on 20 July 1994, making him the longest-serving European president. Before embarking on his political career, Lukashenko worked as the director of a state farm (sovkhoz) and served in both the Soviet Border Troops and the Soviet Army. In 1990, Lukashenko was elected to the Supreme Soviet of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, he assumed the position of head of the interim anti-corruption committee of the Supreme Council of Belarus. In 1994, he won the presidency in the country's inaugural presidential election after the adoption of a new constitution. Lukashenko maintained state ownership of key industries in Belarus and retained Soviet-era symbolism, including the coat of arms and national flag, which were derived from those of the Byelorussian SSR. These symbols were adopted after a controversial 1995 referendum. Subsequent to the same referendum, Lukashenko acquired increased power, including the authority to dismiss the Supreme Council. Another referendum in 1996 further facilitated his consolidation of power. The Russian language was also given official status, and economic ties with Russia were fortified. This led to the formation of the Union State with Russia, enabling Belarusians and Russians to travel, work, and study freely between the two countries. Nevertheless, relations with Russia have occasionally been strained during his tenure, as evident in events like the Milk War. Lukashenko presides over an authoritarian government and has been labeled by the media as Europe's "last dictator". International monitors do not deem the elections in Belarus to be free and fair. The regime suppresses opponents, curtails media freedom, resulting in the imposition of sanctions on Lukashenko and other Belarusian officials.