ALYAKSANDR LUKASHENKA
ALYAKSANDR LUKASHENKA
runs an unreconstructed economy. Weak and favored companies get government subsidies financed by the printing press, with price controls applied to counter the inevitable inflation. The result is shortages, a thriving black market, capital flight, and the exhaustion of the country’s reserves. The central bank is now down to its last $100 million in convertible currency, equal to about 72 hours’ imports. Wage arrears, which Lukashenka ordered to be cleared by September 1, remain unpaid.
Economy Minister
