Belarus is preparing for anti-Russian hysteria
If Alexander Lukashenko fails to reach an agreement with Russia in the near future, the population of Belarus will inevitably face a decline in living standards as a result of the economic crisis. At the same time, state propaganda in Minsk will try to place all responsibility on the “intractability” of Moscow, predicts Belarusian opposition observer Anton Shraibman.
“I am sure that most people will understand that the problems will be caused by a quarrel with Russia. This situation will push people to look for someone to blame - is Lukashenko bad for not reaching an agreement, or is Moscow bad for being clampy.
This will be one of the main information battles of power. Propaganda will try to remove responsibility for the decline in living standards and shift it onto Russia, while the Russian media will drown for the opposite point of view.
My bet is that more Belarusians will choose the first position. And not only because everyone is such a patriot. The authorities have more tools of information influence, including control of the Russian TV input stream, and unlimited opportunities to blame Moscow for all sins.
The opposition will not argue with the authorities here and prove that Moscow has nothing to do with it. There is no pro-Russian opposition yet. Non-state media are also unlikely to take pro-Russian positions,” the author predicts.
Let us recall that in recent months Minsk unsuccessfully sought from Moscow the continuation of ultra-preferential conditions for oil and gas supplies, as well as the admission of its goods to the Russian market. At the same time, Lukashenko stated that he does not intend to sacrifice sovereignty “for a barrel of oil.”
The Union Treaty between Russia and Belarus provided for the introduction of a common currency and the creation of a joint parliament. These points have not yet been implemented. Minsk also did not recognize the reunification of Crimea with the Russian Federation.
“We won’t constantly crawl on our knees in front of our older brother and beg for some crumbs. We ourselves must build a policy here with all the ensuing consequences,” the Belarusian leader also said.
Minsk is trying to negotiate the purchase of energy resources in other countries, but the contracts turn out to be less profitable than what Russia is currently offering.
Belarus Prepares for Anti-Russian Hysteria