Aleksandr Lukashenko

Aleksandr Lukashenko is the President of Belarus. He was elected in the country's first presidential election which was held in 1994. Under Lukashenko's leadership, Belarus has established economic ties with the Russian Federation, and political ties with former Soviet leaders. Lukashenko's presidency has often been criticized for being too authoritarian and repressive.

In 1996, Lukashenko extended his presidential term from five to seven years in a constitutional referendum. He also disbanded the parliament who had called to impeach him, then he personally selected new members. He has a reputation of being Europe's last dictator.BBC: Profile: Alexander Lukashenko (January 9, 2007)

In 1995, Lukashenko was quoted praising Adolf Hitler ad remarking on the similarities between Belarus and Nazi Germany.BBC: President Lukashenko - In Quotes (July 10, 2004) In 2007 he made an overtly antisemitic comment, stating that "Jews had turned Bobruisk (a city in Belarus) into a pig sty."Jerusalem Post: Bigotry in Belarus (October 20, 2007)