Minsk, Belarus, showcases a Soviet-era atmosphere with limited advertisements, patriotic symbols, and imposing architecture. During a presidential election, TF1 journalists explored the state-owned Belarus Tractor Factory, a symbol of national pride. President Alexander Lukashenko, in power for 31 years, is seen as a paternal figure while repressing opposition. The government emphasizes patriotic education, starting from a young age, and promotes state ideology amidst signs of capitalism. Lukashenko was re-elected for a seventh term in a tightly controlled election.
With its limited street advertisements, constant display of patriotic imagery, imposing Stalinist architecture, and broad boulevards, Minsk, the capital of Belarus, appears to be caught in a time warp reminiscent of the Soviet era. Access for foreign journalists is highly restricted, yet a unique opportunity arose for TF1 to report during the presidential election.
The Backbone of the Economy: State Enterprises
Standing under the gaze of Lenin, the revered figure of the Revolution and Soviet Union founder, the Belarus Tractor Factory was established in 1946 under Stalin’s directive. The TF1 team was permitted to tour part of the factory, particularly the modern production line. ‘Our factory represents the national pride of Belarus. While we mean no disrespect to our President, we often say that our most well-known Belarusian globally is our tractor,’ shares Ioulia Khramtsova, the factory’s communications director, in the report featured at the beginning of this piece. Originally, these tractors were distributed across the USSR, and the factory has consistently remained state-owned. In Belarus, around 75% of industrial output is generated by state enterprises, a remnant of the communist legacy.
Lukashenko: The ‘Father’ of Belarus
Under the careful supervision of factory management, TF1 journalists engage with a ‘model’ worker, a workshop manager at the foundry. While enjoying potato pancakes, the family showcases their patriotism. The young boy sings the national anthem: ‘We, Belarusians, are a peaceful people, wholeheartedly devoted to our motherland.’ When prompted by his father, he quickly responds: ‘What is our president’s name?’ to which he replies, ‘Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko, or Backa.’ The worker elaborates on the term: ‘Backa translates to ‘our father’ in Belarusian, reflecting how we refer to our fathers and how the people view the president as a paternal figure.’
Having held power for 31 years, Lukashenko, affectionately dubbed the ‘little father of the peoples’ in a manner reminiscent of Stalin, has systematically repressed opposition, ruling Belarus with an iron fist. He is determined to secure the loyalty of farmers and workers, often showcasing severe disciplinary actions during public factory visits, covered by national media: ‘How can we allow women to work among broken glass? It’s a crime, and such behavior will be punished. I will immediately dismiss the factory director and appoint a new one, who will be under my close supervision. It’s a chance for him, but if he fails, prison awaits.’
Instilling Patriotism through Education
As a former member of the Communist Party, the Belarusian president has retained many elements of the Soviet model to govern the nation. Nonetheless, signs of capitalism can be seen in this planned economy, with the presence of major fast-food franchises. In one of the largest shopping malls in Belarus, consumers can find both foreign products like Président camembert, instant Nescafé, and Nutella, alongside a plethora of Russian goods. Historically intertwined with Russia, Belarus has grown even more reliant on its neighbor since the onset of the war, with half of its imports now coming from Moscow.
The government, wary of Western influences, actively promotes what it refers to as ‘state ideology.’ In Brest, situated in the western region, children participate in activities aimed at enhancing their ‘patriotic education,’ such as guard duty at the eternal flame and wrestling training. These teenagers undergo a week-long program, while all schools are assigned a supervisor dedicated to fostering patriotic education, starting from an early age. ‘Our ongoing patriotic education initiative targets children as young as three, from daycare through to university. It is crucial for us to instill a love for the homeland, as well as discipline and moral values,’ explains Victor Ivanov, director of the patriotic center in Brest.
Trapped in this post-Soviet reality, Belarusian society continues to be under the watchful eye of a president with seemingly eternal rule. Following a tightly controlled election devoid of real opposition, Alexander Lukashenko was re-elected for his seventh term on January 26, 2025.