Alexander Lukashenko

Alexander Lukashenko (born 30 August 1954) is the current President of Belarus, a former Soviet Republic. He has served as president since 1994 and is currently serving his fifth consecutive term in office. As president he holds considerable power over the nation’s domestic and foreign policy, which has been largely characterized by authoritarianism, economic isolationism, and close ties to Russia during his presidency. While there have been some attempts at reform under Lukashenko’s rule, most notably an increase in civil liberties in 2015-2016 that included releasing political prisoners from jail, these reforms are considered to be superficial compared with those undertaken by other post-Soviet states such as Ukraine or Georgia.

Lukashenko was born on August 30th 1954 into a working class family near Kopys in Vitebsk Oblast of what was then the Byelorussian SSR within the Soviet Union. After graduating high school he attended Mogilev Pedagogical Institute where he studied history before joining forces with Komsomol youth organization while still attending university. Upon graduation from institute he worked various positions including teaching physical education at schools across Belarusian countryside until 1985 when he became Director of Ideology Department for Mogilev Oblast Executive Committee overseeing propaganda activities throughout region..In 1989 after dissolution of USSR Lukashenko joined Supreme Soviet representing Minsk district but left soon thereafter due to differences between him and local authorities regarding conduct elections parliamentary elections scheduled later same year . In 1990 following appointment Minister Agriculture Ministry newly independent country Belrus started taking steps entering politics full time being elected member Parliament same year . Following two years tenure gained sufficient popularity join Presidential race next election becoming youngest candidate among others running for position During campaign promised reduce prices food lower taxes provide better pensions bring stability economy improve living conditions citizens .. Successful result followed reelection 1996 2001 2006 2010 2015 popular support attributed combination populist rhetoric nationalist agenda pro Russian policies personally cultivated relationship Vladimir Putin leader neighbouring state ensuing allying countries economically politically military terms ensuring mutual benefits both sides … Despite numerous protestations international human rights groups against alleged violations freedoms individuals committed administration criticism imposed restrictions media widespread allegations vote rigging electoral fraud remain highly controversial controversy continues surrounding government figures well personal life figurehead …