In Belarus, Inflation Adds to Economic Woes

The value of the Belarusian ruble dropped Oct. 20 by a third, worsening inflationary trends in an economy already experiencing severe financial issues. Increased populist spending, high global energy prices, decreased Russian resource subsidization and the recent EU/U.S. sanctions against Belarus have already weakened the nation's economy considerably. Rising inflation, rather than pro-Western protests, will therefore pose the most important challenge for Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko to maintain his hold on power.