Alexander Lukashenko

At-a-Glance

First and only President of Belarus since 1994, making him the longest-serving European leader.
Elected to the Supreme Soviet of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1990.
Opposed economic shock therapy in the 1990s, maintaining state ownership of key industries in Belarus.
Presides over an authoritarian government, leading to international sanctions and non-recognition by multiple Western governments.
Increased Belarus's dependence on Russia, despite past tensions like the 2009 Milk War.

Biography

Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko, born on August 30, 1954, in Kopys, is a Belarusian politician who has served as the first and only president of Belarus since the office's establishment in 1994. This makes him the current longest-serving European leader. Before his political career, Lukashenko worked as the director of a state farm and served in both the Soviet Border Troops and the Soviet Army.