Belarus' Economy Grows 4% in 2024, Amid Concerns Over Authoritarian Policies

Despite being under the tight grip of authoritarian leadership, Belarus reported a 4 percent increase in its GDP for 2024, Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko announced. While the government touts this growth as a sign of economic health, critics argue it comes at the cost of political freedoms and human rights, calling into question the sustainability of such growth under the weight of continued oppressive policies. This development sparks debate over the effectiveness of Western sanctions and the moral implications of engaging with regimes prioritizing economic advancements over fundamental freedoms.