Who is “Europe’s last dictator”?

Four years ago Belarus’s dictator, Alexander Lukashenko, stole a presidential election. Belarusians have just voted again, in parliamentary and local polls. This time there was little chance of a repeat of the protests that followed the rigged vote in 2020. How has Mr Lukashenko tightened his grip?
00:00 - Why Lukashenko is called “Europe’s last dictator”
00:57 - How Lukashenko came to power
01:29 - Why Lukashenko is dependent on Putin
Sign up to The Economist’s daily newsletter: econ.st/3QAawvI
Read more about the region: econ.st/3OV7JP1
Belarus prepares for another fraudulent election: econ.st/49OehXU
How much power does Alexander Lukashenko have?:econ.st/3SVVeUH
Why Belarus is called Europe’s last dictatorship: econ.st/3SVVeUH
Belarus’s beleaguered opposition is flirting with violence: econ.st/3P0F6js

[@oleghill3916]

I am not sure by "last".

[@capotegabriel]

Trump = Putin = Biden = Stalin. Vote Kennedy Jr.!

[@ericp1139]

That would be Zelensky.

[@Ivan-wp1ne1]

@@capotegabriel u dont know shoot about history lol

[@Mare1379]

@@capotegabriel no thanks I don’t feel like Trump winning

[@lucask4377]

​@@ericp1139Yeah yeah you wish. Only dictators are Belarus, Putin and Orban soon

[@SueFerreira75]

Why on earth would you think dictators are going away?

[@xlynx9]

Indeed. This title would have been believable 15 years ago. Now it's naive.

[@fullestdeepest6181]

Exactly 👍

[@efghggdxlmfn33]

and Ukraine, from which people drown in icy rivers when trying to escape, democracy? The new law on mobilization is very democratic.

[@Neutralino]

Definitely not “last” with Putin about.

[@user-dt5nj3uk2s]

Russia will never be part of Europe so Putin is just another Asian dictator.

[@toukka4]

Is Putin in Europe??

[@alvaro84ortega]

Why is Putin a dictator? I am sure you never been in Russia or ever talk with any russian about politics. You guys just a brainwashed waist of time. Go vote for sleepy Joe on the next elections, thats a real president.

[@hunter98764]

@@toukka4 Yes he is. There's a traditional region of Russia called "European Russia" - it's Russian territory that sits west of the Urals. It comprises 4 million square kilometres and is around 40% of Europe's total landmass (this is only slightly less than the total landmass of the European Union itself!).

[@ChatGPt2001]

You raise a valid point. The term "Europe's last dictator" is subjective and can depend on the context and perspective of the speaker. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Alexander Lukashenko was commonly referred to by that label. However, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, has faced similar criticism for his leadership style and the consolidation of power in Russia. Political situations evolve, and perceptions may vary, so it's essential to consider the most recent developments for an accurate assessment of the current political landscape.

[@PaladinMagellan]

It is the last of the official dictators in Europe but not the unofficial ones

[@arturgouveia3491]

Yeah.....some in latin america

[@aprilrolls]

@@arturgouveia3491 remind me of when Latin America started being in Europe? I'm pretty sure this comment was about Putin, not worldwide

[@mersifullwolf4054]

That made no sense

[@mersifullwolf4054]

Europe has no “unofficial dictatorships”…. Other than Turkey

[@ericp1139]

Zelensky is a big one.

[@Anymous578]

0:01 “some call him Europes last dictator” Putin: “Am I a Joke to you?”

[@averagemichael]

How putin is a dictator? When they have elections and presidency. They have corrupt government that keeps putin in place that's why.

[@efghggdxlmfn33]

Zelensky is Joke to you?. In Ukraine people drown in icy rivers when trying to escape. The new law on mobilization is very "democratic". fleeing mobilization. the cities were completely deserted, business stopped. For violation of the law on mobilization, real estate may be moved. Now fines for mobilization evaders will range from 17 thousand to 25.5 thousand hryvnia. For failure to pay the fine, authorities will be able to write off funds from accounts or seize property. There is also criminal liability. Let me remind you that in Russia there has never been mandatory mobilization.

[@pranav5788]

Russia is still in Europe

[@andysk5438]

Some of it, yeah. So is Turkey, by that logic.

[@efghggdxlmfn33]

@@andysk5438 some some European countries on the edge of Russia.

[@marcusbrown188]

I thought they were in Asia

[@tanaka5395]

Fun fact the Canadian economy is more dependent on the US, than Belarus economy is too Russia

[@perseus274]

Russia is more democratic on the outside, than US.

[@willzyxOfficial]

A linked economy isn't the same as being dependent. Belarus can't sustain itself without Russian aid. Canada doesn't get aid from the US, and could also survive without US trade.

[@fullestdeepest6181]

😂 True AF 😢

[@kronas-donar]

По моему ты русский и болен пропогандой

[@efghggdxlmfn33]

@@willzyxOfficial Belarus can sustain easy. I've been there))

[@mynameisburhanaltintop]

Some part of Turkey( Türkiye) is in the Europe but I would say Erdogan

[@hakikat_ler]

if we talk about dictators and Turkiye, the last dictator is Ataturk. No elections, pure authoritarian regime, thousands of unfair executions.. But Erdogan? Like him or not he was elected by the people's real votes, not like Ataturk.

[@musicilya6674]

Turkey is not a European country even if Turkey has a tiny part.

[@RomanII499]

Turkey is authoritarian but not dictatorship

[@Integral77777]

@@musicilya6674 Erdogan is not dictator but autocratic even if you think Tr is not in Europe. A dictator does not let oppositions win in any elections. Erdogan has not got this power. Oppositions got most of the votes in the last elections even it is local elections it is as much important as general elections since the Mayorship collects the taxes in cities, Erdogan party will not be able to collect the money from city taxes and not be able to decide what projects to do with them. Winning elections several times does not make anyone dictator. People voted for him, he knew how to win and he won several times in past. Also EU observes observed the elections in Turkey and they said no anormal things observed to change the results. Turkey is even much democratic than some Europe countries. Just look at how many and what kind of parties attended the elections.

[@xlynx9]

There's at least four dictators in Europe right now.

[@HATCH5T]

Name the,

[@IngVasiu]

I would list: Putin, Lukashenko, Erdogan, Vucic.

[@HATCH5T]

@@IngVasiu how is Vucic a dictator? 😂 you just high

[@IngVasiu]

@@HATCH5T Well, how should I call the leader of a country where people are even occasionally arrested because of stuff they write on Twitter. But ok, even if the term 'dictator' might seem exaggerated to you, surely he's an autocrat, a light version of Putin. But ironically he's Europe's favourite autocrat.

[@itz_redgi9624]

Every American presidents are dictators

[@baha3alshamari152]

He saved Belarus from Ukraine situation

[@muli166]

Ukraine never wanted to attack Belarus not even Russia. Are u lost of your mind?

[@johnathanben2163]

He was referring to the hatred of Russia groups like the one that took over Ukraine

[@user-co8cs9vc4q]

Which is illegitimate president stepping down? Yes, he did.

[@Thomas.Deverell]

Russia and Turkey are also partly Europe, so he isn’t the last dictator.

[@musicilya6674]

Turkey is not a European country even if Turkey has a tiny part.

[@RomanII499]

And Ukraine

[@averagemichael]

How putin is a dictator? When they have elections and presidency. They have corrupt government that keeps putin in place that's why.

[@danieloliver4558]

Democracy ain't for everyone.

[@Yajjay833]

Chaotic it is

[@efghggdxlmfn33]

For sure. because the democracy that the Western world is parroting about is not democracy, but is inverted totalitarianism. and Ukraine, from which people drown in icy rivers when trying to escape, democracy? The new law on mobilization is very democratic. fleeing mobilization. the cities were completely deserted, business stopped. For violation of the law on mobilization, real estate may be moved. Now fines for mobilization evaders will range from 17 thousand to 25.5 thousand hryvnia. For failure to pay the fine, authorities will be able to write off funds from accounts or seize property. There is also criminal liability.

[@ihatedictators.]

I hate dictators

[@superkal-el]

And I hate democracy.

[@Ivan-wp1ne1]

Me too. Neo-liberal ones

[@letsplaywithmegacyborg3098]

@@superkal-el nah

[@mck2.030]

he still is a russian puppet

[@treatoplease3479]

Woah buddy look at you with that bold statement Such Controversy, Much Wow.

[@alexgut1everything]

Actually and unfortunately not the last. Putin is the first one. And also some EU leaders "play" in the same game,such as Orban,for example, and etc. But,yeap, he'll be last... Whom Putin would like to eat,if not only China will eat Russia first and faster (And this is happening now...)

[@SKIPPY20]

PUTIN: WELL HE'S MY PUPPET SO WHAT DOES THAT MAKE ME?

[@user-rs5ji6dk8o]

Not really, he does sides with Russia when it suit him, but he is very cunning and smart, he outsmarts Russia from time to time.

[@RomanII499]

He's not a puppet, he just allows temporary military presence in order to save Belarus from NATO

[@SKIPPY20]

@@RomanII499 nice bs buddy Russia made Nato

[@RomanII499]

@@SKIPPY20 How tf did Russia make NATO

[@necro_ware]

Last? What about Putin, Erdogan, Orban? I think Lukashenko is not half as dangerous as the others. He is an absolute horror for his own people, but the others are even a bigger threat for the whole world. And the trend is currently raising, in Europe just as over the ocean.

[@bruhsusaltamash8141]

Erdogan is elected and not a dictator

[@necro_ware]

@@bruhsusaltamash8141 right, then Putin was also "elected"

[@CroatianUltraNationalist]

orban is not a dictator

[@ro6742]

FYI The Economist is anything BUT independent.

[@caseclosed9342]

No mention of his role in the Wagner rebellion?

[@SU1TABLE]

Убодно устроились так называемые короли в европах, под видом мы ни причем, столетиями у власти одни и те же люди!

[@rfan5158]

I would say he's more like one of Europe's first dictators

[@estujav]

It has been over a month since the economist last posted a video, why is that?

[@allailina1941]

У диктатуры длинные руки😂😂😂

[@kevinu.k.7042]

Is this really the Economist? Russia is part of Europe. We could argue the toss about Hungary having a dictator... barely.

[@HATCH5T]

😂So, Basically any country whicj tries to argue that Russia will ultimately win this war is a dictator, ok

[@bertilcoolson3922]

@@HATCH5TNo, it's just that all nations supporting Russia are dictatorships or borderline

[@lucask4377]

​@@HATCH5TThat's an odd way of putting it but pretty much yeah. All of the European dictators are Russia or pro-Russia

[@HATCH5T]

@@lucask4377 nope at least Hungary and Serbia are no dictatorships

[@musicilya6674]

you're nuts. They are@@HATCH5T

[@heartborne123]

why do people let it be... why do they obey such a regime

[@SwissTanuki]

Because most people don't like pain. Also some are benefiting.

[@ericp1139]

Because most don’t like another US interference like the Maidan.

[@baha3alshamari152]

Because the alternative is to become a warzone like Ukraine

[@heartborne123]

@@baha3alshamari152 ukrainians do understand that if they weren't protest there would be another russia or belarus

[@RomanII499]

This is normal in weak countries in order to prevent outside influence.

[@kitcat4512]

She's still there.

[@williamlloyd3769]

Belorussia seems to have enough of its own internal problems and basically has to outlast Putin before seeking political change.

[@Youd876]

What about Azai Turk?

[@musicilya6674]

Japan is in Asia

[@Youd876]

@@musicilya6674 what?

[@RomanII499]

Bolivia is in South America

[@KhmerStockMarket]

Hello 👋

[@than0s948]

Viktor Orban: "am I a joke to you?"

[@RomanII499]

Orban is not a dictator. Putin and Zelenskyy may be.

[@PaoloMarinelli-sl2xu]

Formally Belarus don't take part of Europe.

[@martamamyan5262]

Not Aliyev and Erdogan right? 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@sofiaestrada6970]

Last dictator? Yea idk about that, don't forget putin

[@MegaFarah78]

Long live Putin

[@musicilya6674]

no@@MegaFarah78

[@JamesGeorgeMcCarthysecondacc]

​@@MegaFarah78Putin will be the president of Russia until he's dead

[@maeenaqeel2561]

And America

[@RomanII499]

Putin and Zelenskyy too

[@willard8807]

He never smiles

[@pr520]

You forget Poutine

[@ericp1139]

Putin has an election this week.

[@ShrekGeography]

@@ericp1139the elections are fake

[@user-co8cs9vc4q]

@@ericp1139 45 mil votes real results -> 75 mil official, 30 million fabricated, independent candidates were not allowed to participate in elections, several people were arrested for staying in the queue on election day. My dude, having elections doesn't equal democracy.

[@RomanII499]

Putin and Zelenskyy are both dictators

[@Yajjay833]

Kid grow up

[@ruslanaghayev4011]

Unfortunately this video did not show that Lukashenko had received "mandate" from West by present them C-300. I would not be surprised if Lukashenko will earn new "mandate" by present of Putin to West...

[@Grappapappa]

"Europe's Last Dictator" Well, for now. I have big plans ;)

[@Human_019]

Definitely not last

[@ChatGPt2001]

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Alexander Lukashenko was often referred to as "Europe's last dictator." He has been the President of Belarus since 1994 and has faced criticism for his authoritarian rule, suppression of political opposition, and alleged human rights abuses. However, political situations can change, so it's advisable to check the latest sources for the most up-to-date information on the political landscape in Europe.

[@wex2808]

what su

[@space.rocket]

Chatgpt😂

[@RomanII499]

This has to be ChatGPT

[@Noel.2000]

The economist is 🤧🤧

[@themisterdellou]

people in Belarus don't like him, probably 4 people in the whole country

[@user-tz8kp1vi9v]

Just a puppet, the Belarus no longer exists it is a Russian province.

[@JamesGeorgeMcCarthysecondacc]

Belarus is a country n-

[@RomanII499]

They have full independence. They don't conform to any rules from Russia.

[@Occam601]

@@RomanII499Russian citizens can literally vote in their elections 😂

[@RomanII499]

@@Occam601What does that have to do with my comment

[@Occam601]

@@RomanII499 Russia needs to have massive sway over the goings on in Belarus for them to allow Russian nationals to vote in Belarusian elections, almost like Lukashenko desperately needs votes in order to seem somewhat legitimate

[@micskovbon5738]

What about Orban, the dude that were invited to Trumps home for a weekend.

[@gbb82]

Hungary?

[@justfantasic]

Viadmir Putin plus jing ping on Taiwanese

[@musicilya6674]

Since when Taiwan is in Europe?

[@_Lady-Konga]

Putin is his Master

[@musicilya6674]

dictator you mean

[@besarionioselini2089]

თქუენ კი ... ბატონო პრეზიდენტო ! დაგლოცოთ ყოვლად წმინდა დედამ

[@user-qjxfs8]

West part of Kazakhstan in Europe too 😂😂

[@Alexandrashal632]

Belarus president walking like Taje country

[@Kret-o]

Not the last with Vučić here

[@gobacktohell6062]

"democracy everywhere and always is only the bulwark of jews dictatorship" Louis Ferdinand Céline , french author

[@davegrooman]

Is he Putin's Mussolini?

[@KhoaCurrent]

The Economist's editorial stance simply reflects the attitudes of the two major political parties in the UK, the Conservative Party and the Labour Party, in the mid to late 20th century, and attempts to maintain the self-image of the UK as a world power.

[@loganmancini8759]

Like a dog to a master

[@bangbanglc]

America is europe last dictator 😂

[@mersifullwolf4054]

That makes no sense Abdul 🤡🤣😂

[@bangbanglc]

@@mersifullwolf4054 ofcourse it makes no sense for someone who has got no sense 🫵🤡😂

[@mersifullwolf4054]

@@bangbanglc if your version of “sense” is nonsense, then I’m glad I don’t have your “sense” 🤡🤣😂🤣😂

[@mersifullwolf4054]

@@bangbanglc don’t embarrass yourself Abdul 🤡🤣😂🤣😂

[@yesyouareherefinally]

​@@mersifullwolf4054why you add abdul at the end of every comment.? Your intentions are bad

[@alexmathews3374]

You're forgetting Russia and North Korea

[@allengrajo3814]

is north korea IN EUROPE

[@alexmathews3374]

​​@@allengrajo3814 You do know that North Korea an Russia have a boarder together eversince the cold war right...

[@SudanFrenchMapper]

i like him bcs his mustach

[@chrisck3405]

I only know that UK has become a pariah state. and media like the economist has also become a pariah media.

[@emmanuelsunil3173]

Two toxic dictators 😂

[@dmn4794]

He's vegan now.

[@Joshua-Samarita]

So you agreed that Putin isn't a dictator?

[@user-hi1ke5gp6n]

Вот именно кто?

[@ivantarov9940]

Europe betrayed Łukaszenko

[@mersifullwolf4054]

Other way around

[@benderbendingrofriguez3300]

cheap oil, like the one Germany use to get before the USA blew up in 2022 Nord Stream pipeline?

[@Ivan-wp1ne1]

Ursula von der Leyen is

[@mersifullwolf4054]

Nope

[@Ivan-wp1ne1]

@@mersifullwolf4054 pf course YES

[@Ivan-wp1ne1]

@@mersifullwolf4054 yeeess!

[@mersifullwolf4054]

@@Ivan-wp1ne1 wrong again Ivan 😂

[@Ivan-wp1ne1]

@@mersifullwolf4054 ok, I may be wrong, but Russia is getting stronger, and Europe - weaker. The 500 year long era of western vampires is getting to the end🫵🏻

[@musicilya6674]

Let's pretend that Putin is not a dictator

[@ninerushclips3414]

And the leader of Hungary😂

[@musicilya6674]

@@ninerushclips3414 not sure about Orban, but he’s an autocrat for sure :)

[@AkuBukanBapakMu02]

Zelensky 🤔

[@dmitrimikrioukov5935]

As if Europeans actually vote for most of the things their governments do in reality...

[@giannhslakiss]

The ECONOMIST is the sugar daddy all of them.

[@niftynige]

What would happen if the people simply stopped working and paying taxes?

[@user-co8cs9vc4q]

Unachievable.

[@gavinmc5285]

the quiet man in the putin nexus

[@howtofuckamockinbird]

Lets have a look at all these "democratic" nations before we point fingers okay?

[@WM25251]

shut up nerd

[@mersifullwolf4054]

We are way more democratic than Belarus, Ivan 😂

[@howtofuckamockinbird]

@@mersifullwolf4054 Which country are you from? Let me read about your perfect democracy. Demoracy is like capitalism, it's an idea. Full capitalism doesn't exist and fully democratic governments do not exist. if you think it perfectly exists in your country give me the name. Because you've got another thing coming. You think you have a say, but it's a big club and you ain't in it. Sorry to break it to you. Don't go cry to your papa İvan now :)

[@TheGeorgianSmoker670]

I actually respect Lukaschenko even for his dictatorship in Belarus because he's the biggest ally of Putin. I mean Belarus is a beautiful country. It's more like in the Soviet Union. But I still define Belarus as Europe's North Korea

[@Alpeueli]

Selensiki, what else ?

[@besarionioselini2089]

იქნება მიაწვდინოთ ხმა ! ( ივანიშვილთა წყეულ ჯილაგს და მოდგმას ! )

[@perseus274]

Oh, ok. I highly doubt the YT headquarters are in Belarus or Russia. WHY MY COMMENTS ARE DELETED "DEMOCRATS"

[@Ca-kt6hb]

It depends on what and in what way you show videos. It seems prejudgment where you want to picture him like a dictator. But in comparison to any other europian or americsn politic who broke up demonstrations he looks even more democratic than german of french president. Why do you try to insist on it? I think you are going to exaspirate enmity.

[@schultzy1971]

You are wrong. There is nothing democratic about Luka. He is evil and totally disregards human rights. His elections are rigged. He has pardoned himself already for life just like Trump. They are both criminals, thieving from the public.

[@sovra6734]

Correct

[@Exodius3]

How is Belarus more democratic than germany??

[@soumyajitdas1729]

My mate, you haven't seen inside of Belarus, especially after demonstrations back in 2020

[@Ca-kt6hb]

​@@Exodius3please welcome and see by yourself.

[@Bammut]

Putin.

[@lovelybitofbugle219]

The EU

[@Maggie_n_Mitch23]

Fergi ? 🤔

[@tropicaltrev1617]

He retired, he’s not at Manchester United anymore!😊

[@Maggie_n_Mitch23]

😂😂@@tropicaltrev1617

[@drdr1957]

[@CroatianUltraNationalist]

Lukashenko is the best leader of belarus

[@BeastlyBallistics-jh5qi]

Klaus Schwab

[@genehawkridge1919]

The USA's future if Trump is re-elected.

[@ataturkjugend]

30 IQ. your opinions don't matter, next time, don't state them please.

[@HATCH5T]

😂 no data just blatant misinformation

[@capotegabriel]

Trump = Putin = Biden = Stalin. Vote Kennedy Jr.!

[@genehawkridge1919]

@@capotegabriel if you are unable to distinguish Biden from these others, I pity you. He's nothing like them. What planet are you from?

[@capotegabriel]

@@genehawkridge1919 a 81 years old guy that wants still in the power: dictator.

[@Kridez23]

Putin ;nyet

[@victorvandillen5297]

Putin, Lukashenko, Erdogan 🤷🤷

[@musicilya6674]

Turkey is not a European country even if Turkey has a tiny part.

[@RomanII499]

Also Zelenskyy

[@Integral77777]

@@musicilya6674 You don't know geography. It is not the sea borders defining continent borders. You would accept Turkey in Europe if it was Roma, You don't accept because Turks live there.

[@user-hi1ke5gp6n]

В Азии

[@josephsalinas5405]

I guess you forgot Putin and Erdogan existed.

[@musicilya6674]

Turkey is not a European country even if Turkey has a tiny part.

[@jdools4744]

Putin is mid but Lukashenko is cool

[@micsimo]

definitely not last. take Putin, Erdogan or Orban for example

[@musicilya6674]

Turkey is not a European country even if Turkey has a tiny part.

[@micsimo]

@musicilya6674 Why? Turkey is a candidate for the EU, and it played a major role in European history, particularly in Balkans

[@RomanII499]

Orban and Erdogan are authoritarian but not dictators. But Putin and Zelenskyy are absolute dictators.

[@ogone1465]

When the west calls you a dictator you are doing something right 😂

[@mersifullwolf4054]

Wrong again Abdul 🤡🤣😂

[@mersifullwolf4054]

Lukashenko even admitted to being a dictator, abdul🤣🤣

[@mersifullwolf4054]

When an Abdul like you says “the west is doing something” that’s when we know that we are doing something right, cope Abdul 😂

[@yesyouareherefinally]

​@@mersifullwolf4054who are you btw? Being so much triggered by his words

[@dizzypukas8410]

Putin

[@markjonelotico3455]

Lagi ako nagugulat kapag nagsasarado si lot sa kabilang pintuan🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🧑‍🚀🏧🔒

[@williamcavanagh8982]

That depends on whether you classify Russia as being part of Europe or Asia. Strange about these characters... a guy with a Ukrainian name (Lukashenko) in a so-called country with a population of about 8 million...about the size of a large city in any part of the world and they call him a President...but really he is a Mayor...Mayor Lukashenko as his city sized country is controlled 100% by Vlad Putin and his band of no goods in Moscow. Of this there can be NO question. He reminds me of one of those little spring dogs that people used to mount in the back of their car...the yes Vlad motion.

[@BasantiGupta-dj7gt]

PutIn😂😂😂

[@canofsoda-qi6ip]

Putin has left he chat

[@RomanII499]

Putin and Zelenskyy

[@Monkeymeep]

This is what trump wants to do with the U.S

[@georgebotos1782]

You also forgot about Viktor Orban (Hungary), he's a soft dictator, but still a dictator.

[@tuvanrashid1299]

😂no

[@mikiutpost]

Me me me 😂 me me me is the last 😢 yes yes yes yes 😢

[@mikiutpost]

Its truis😂

[@mikiutpost]

I do do not haw any kids 😂 no women eather😢 so a i am the last of them

[@mikiutpost]

IT's more amongs world 😂 and Pentagon conflicts😢 sadly 😮 its a usa amerca demand of conflicts wit sovjet union😂 wich is granted😢

[@mikiutpost]

So Mee Mee Mee is losing in the recuest of cuestione😢

[@mikiutpost]

What was the cuestione😂

[@panicyapma]

İlluminati ❤

[@lav7626]

Last and first