Posted: 23.01.2025 16:12:00

IFIMES experts on Belarus’ Presidential election: it’s a turning point

As stated in an analytical report of the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES, Slovenia), the Presidential election in Belarus will be a really important moment in the political life of the country, which, despite all the challenges, has maintained security and stability, and achieved impressive economic growth, BelTA reports

"Amid the turbulent events that have engulfed the world, including two wars in Europe and the Middle East, Belarus is preparing for the Presidential election to be held on January 26th, 2025. This event marks a major turning point in the political life of Belarus, which, despite all the challenges, has maintained security and stability, while achieving an impressive level of economic growth," IFIMES experts note.

The upcoming election will mark the beginning of a new stage in the socio-political and economic development of Belarus. The country is now demonstrating stability and economic progress in the face of Western sanctions and military action in neighbouring Ukraine. At the same time, the economic achievements of Belarus are clearly visible against the background of indicators in other European countries. "Belarus secured third place on the list of the top 15 European countries by GDP growth for 2024, recording a growth rate of 3.6 percent, according to data published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in October 2024,” the report reads.

IFIMES experts also note that the conflict in Ukraine presents a strategic challenge for Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko to some extent, "While Belarus remains a close ally of Russia, it continues to face international sanctions, despite its repeated calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.”

Experts draw attention to the commitment of the President of Belarus to maintain the country's independent foreign policy, which involves creating a balance in relations between major powers, in particular Russia and the United States, while developing dialogue with neighbouring countries.

IFIMES believes that the return of Donald Trump to the White House may open a new phase in the relations between Belarus and the United States. "Minsk genuinely hopes that Trump will fulfil his promise to end the war in Ukraine and de-escalate US-Russian tensions," experts say.

Predicting which course the new US administration will follow remains a difficult task, as even Trump himself seems unsure of what lies ahead. Nevertheless, the change of political elites in Washington gives hope for an easing of global tensions, IFIMES summarises.