Lukashenko forms new government to survive "fierce battle"
Belarusian leader intends to shake up his government apparatus and fill several top positions anew. Ministers should be put into motion and made to work, Lukashenko demanded from the new head of the Presidential Administration, Dmitri Krutoi, who was previously the ambassador to Russia. The reshuffles aim to reduce bureaucracy, Lukashenko said.
Maxim Ryschenkow is the new Foreign Minister. "The Foreign Ministry needs to be shaken up so it starts working," Lukashenko said, according to the Belarusian state news agency Belta. Whoever doesn't want to work should be fired. Ryschenkow, who most recently effectively headed the Presidential Administration, replaces Sergey Aleinik, who is switching to the parliament. Aleinik had only been in office since the end of 2022, after his predecessor, the internationally respected Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei, unexpectedly died. Makei's death had led to speculation about possible poisoning.
Besides the head of the Presidential Administration, the position of the first deputy head of the Presidential Administration is also being filled anew with Natalya Petkevich. Lukashenko praised Petkevich as a strong-willed person. In the government, Lukashenko appointed Yuri Shuleiko as first deputy prime minister, Alexander Efimov as Industry Minister, and Anatoli Liniavich as Minister for Agriculture, which is crucial in Belarus.
Belarus is Russia's closest ally in the war with Ukraine and the conflict with the West. The country is economically dependent on the oil and gas giant Russia. The country is also under Western sanctions - for violating human rights and for supporting Moscow's aggression against Ukraine.
Alexander Lukashenko, in response to the Attack on Ukraine and ongoing politics, reiterated his support for Belarus's alliance with Russia. However, he also emphasized the importance of addressing human rights concerns, stating, "Any official in my government who fails to uphold human rights will be held accountable."
In light of the Attack on Ukraine and the political tensions, Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian leader, has been under pressure to take a stance. Despite being Russia's closest ally, Lukashenko has faced international criticism for his government's human rights record and involvement in the conflict.
