http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sun, 19 May 2013 06:50:06 +0200 Sun, 19 May 2013 06:50:06 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/little-hope-for-democracy-after-belarus-vote-fraud-says-german-press-a-857833.html#ref=rss The sham parliamentary election in Belarus this weekend has Western leaders calling for even tougher sanctions against the country's autocratic regime. But German editorialists on Tuesday are doubtful that this will do much to weaken dictator Alexander Lukashenko. Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:31:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/little-hope-for-democracy-after-belarus-vote-fraud-says-german-press-a-857833.html The sham parliamentary election in Belarus this weekend has Western leaders calling for even tougher sanctions against the country's autocratic regime. But German editorialists on Tuesday are doubtful that this will do much to weaken dictator Alexander Lukashenko.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/belarus-elects-new-parliament-amid-widespread-accusations-of-fraud-a-857637.html#ref=rss Before the ballots had even been counted, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko presented himself as the winner of Sunday's parliamentary election. The man dubbed "Europe's last dictator" is benefiting from the deep divisions among his opponents, and has even enjoyed increasing public support. Mon, 24 Sep 2012 17:59:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/belarus-elects-new-parliament-amid-widespread-accusations-of-fraud-a-857637.html Before the ballots had even been counted, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko presented himself as the winner of Sunday's parliamentary election. The man dubbed "Europe's last dictator" is benefiting from the deep divisions among his opponents, and has even enjoyed increasing public support. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-police-trained-lukashenko-forces-in-belarus-a-848438.html#ref=rss Despite European Union sanctions against the repressive regime of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, German federal police were training his "experts" as late as last year. The training took place in Belarus just weeks after a crackdown on opposition protesters. Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:34:07 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-police-trained-lukashenko-forces-in-belarus-a-848438.html Despite European Union sanctions against the repressive regime of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, German federal police were training his "experts" as late as last year. The training took place in Belarus just weeks after a crackdown on opposition protesters.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-lawmakers-seek-to-block-ice-hockey-championships-in-belarus-a-831173.html#ref=rss German parliamentarians are questioning whether the authoritarian country of Belarus should be allowed to host the 2014 world ice hockey championships as planned. The move comes amid demands to relocate European Football Championship matches scheduled in Ukraine in reaction to the Tymoshenko case. Thu, 03 May 2012 15:59:35 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-lawmakers-seek-to-block-ice-hockey-championships-in-belarus-a-831173.html German parliamentarians are questioning whether the authoritarian country of Belarus should be allowed to host the 2014 world ice hockey championships as planned. The move comes amid demands to relocate European Football Championship matches scheduled in Ukraine in reaction to the Tymoshenko case.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/better-to-be-a-dictator-than-gay-germany-slams-lukashenko-over-slur-a-819458.html#ref=rss Berlin has reacted with disgust to an insult by the Belarus president about Germany's homosexual foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle. In response to criticism of his country's human rights record, Alexander Lukashenko said it is "better to be a dictator than gay." Westerwelle said the remark "speaks for itself." Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:02:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/better-to-be-a-dictator-than-gay-germany-slams-lukashenko-over-slur-a-819458.html Berlin has reacted with disgust to an insult by the Belarus president about Germany's homosexual foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle. In response to criticism of his country's human rights record, Alexander Lukashenko said it is "better to be a dictator than gay." Westerwelle said the remark "speaks for itself."]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/uprising-in-belarus-internet-generation-takes-on-europe-s-last-dictator-a-774256.html#ref=rss The end of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko's era appears to be approaching, as thousands take to the streets in Minsk to protest against the country's economic crisis. The Internet-savvy demonstrators are finding ever-more-creative ways to voice dissent, but Lukashenko is responding with violence. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:21:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/uprising-in-belarus-internet-generation-takes-on-europe-s-last-dictator-a-774256.html The end of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko's era appears to be approaching, as thousands take to the streets in Minsk to protest against the country's economic crisis. The Internet-savvy demonstrators are finding ever-more-creative ways to voice dissent, but Lukashenko is responding with violence. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/belarus-leader-s-grip-on-power-west-puzzled-by-lukashenko-s-clampdown-on-weak-opposition-a-757675.html#ref=rss Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claims regime opponents funded by the West were behind the recent subway bombing in Minsk. His behavior is puzzling, observers say. He is cracking down on the opposition even though it is weak and divided and the population seems in no mood for revolution. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:14:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/belarus-leader-s-grip-on-power-west-puzzled-by-lukashenko-s-clampdown-on-weak-opposition-a-757675.html Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claims regime opponents funded by the West were behind the recent subway bombing in Minsk. His behavior is puzzling, observers say. He is cracking down on the opposition even though it is weak and divided and the population seems in no mood for revolution. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/twelve-die-in-belarusian-explosion-lukashenko-blames-foreign-forces-for-subway-blast-a-756437.html#ref=rss An explosion in a subway station in Minsk has killed 12 people and injured 149. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has warned that foreign forces could be behind the apparent terrorist attack. The Belarusian pro-democracy opposition is already fearing a crackdown. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:30:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/twelve-die-in-belarusian-explosion-lukashenko-blames-foreign-forces-for-subway-blast-a-756437.html An explosion in a subway station in Minsk has killed 12 people and injured 149. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has warned that foreign forces could be behind the apparent terrorist attack. The Belarusian pro-democracy opposition is already fearing a crackdown.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/they-accept-us-as-we-are-lukashenko-looks-east-for-new-friends-a-740841.html#ref=rss Western guests were conspicuously absent at Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's inauguration on Friday after the US and European Union boycotted the ceremony. The man described as Europe's last dictator has also accused Germany and Poland of plotting his downfall. Belarus is now looking to Russia and China for support. Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:19:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/they-accept-us-as-we-are-lukashenko-looks-east-for-new-friends-a-740841.html Western guests were conspicuously absent at Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's inauguration on Friday after the US and European Union boycotted the ceremony. The man described as Europe's last dictator has also accused Germany and Poland of plotting his downfall. Belarus is now looking to Russia and China for support.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/backsliding-in-belarus-the-eu-s-false-impression-of-lukashenko-a-736658.html#ref=rss Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko left little doubt about who was in control of his country following last week's elections. The European Union had hoped for more democracy. But it would appear that many in Belarus are happy with the status quo. Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:27:21 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/backsliding-in-belarus-the-eu-s-false-impression-of-lukashenko-a-736658.html Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko left little doubt about who was in control of his country following last week's elections. The European Union had hoped for more democracy. But it would appear that many in Belarus are happy with the status quo.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/lukashenko-s-belarus-coming-to-terms-with-a-european-tyrant-a-735958.html#ref=rss He counts North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il among his friends and unleashes state security forces on his political opponents. Alexander Lukashenko has ruled Belarus with an iron fist for 16 years. He is tolerated by the EU and Russia because he ensures stability. Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:53:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/lukashenko-s-belarus-coming-to-terms-with-a-european-tyrant-a-735958.html He counts North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il among his friends and unleashes state security forces on his political opponents. Alexander Lukashenko has ruled Belarus with an iron fist for 16 years. He is tolerated by the EU and Russia because he ensures stability.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-dictatorships-never-change-a-735929.html#ref=rss Election violence in Belarus on Sunday surprised Europeans, who expected Alexander Lukashenko to introduce limited democratic reform. Opponents were allowed to run against the incumbent. But his dictatorship, German commentators conclude, seems to be in fine fettle. Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:49:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-dictatorships-never-change-a-735929.html Election violence in Belarus on Sunday surprised Europeans, who expected Alexander Lukashenko to introduce limited democratic reform. Opponents were allowed to run against the incumbent. But his dictatorship, German commentators conclude, seems to be in fine fettle.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/disputed-elections-in-belarus-europe-s-last-dictatorship-shows-violent-side-a-735633.html#ref=rss Officially, Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko won re-election with almost 80 percent of the vote on Sunday. The opposition, though, is accusing his government of massive fraud. Protesters in Minsk were savagely beaten and at least four opposition candidates have been arrested. Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:49:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/disputed-elections-in-belarus-europe-s-last-dictatorship-shows-violent-side-a-735633.html Officially, Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko won re-election with almost 80 percent of the vote on Sunday. The opposition, though, is accusing his government of massive fraud. Protesters in Minsk were savagely beaten and at least four opposition candidates have been arrested.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/russia-leans-on-belarus-europe-s-last-dictator-under-pressure-from-moscow-a-712481.html#ref=rss Alexander Lukashenko is regarded as Europe's last dictator, but after more than 16 years in power his days as Belarusian president may be numbered. As presidential elections approach, Russia seems to be determined to see the back of Lukashenko. Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:45:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/russia-leans-on-belarus-europe-s-last-dictator-under-pressure-from-moscow-a-712481.html Alexander Lukashenko is regarded as Europe's last dictator, but after more than 16 years in power his days as Belarusian president may be numbered. As presidential elections approach, Russia seems to be determined to see the back of Lukashenko.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-each-gas-dispute-will-cost-the-russians-a-702377.html#ref=rss Russia's recent suspension of natural gas to Belarus has brought back uncomfortable memories of January 2009, when swaths of Europe went cold because Moscow stopped sending gas to Ukraine. Has the risk to Europe returned? German commentators are divided. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:43:10 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-each-gas-dispute-will-cost-the-russians-a-702377.html Russia's recent suspension of natural gas to Belarus has brought back uncomfortable memories of January 2009, when swaths of Europe went cold because Moscow stopped sending gas to Ukraine. Has the risk to Europe returned? German commentators are divided.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-minsk-tiger-lukashenko-s-high-tech-ambitions-for-belarus-a-668405.html#ref=rss Alexander Lukashenko has often been referred to as Europe's last dictator. All of a sudden, though, he seems to be on a push to rapidly liberalize Belarus' economy and turn it into a high-tech paradise. But is this socialist island really ready to attract Western investors? Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:30:29 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-minsk-tiger-lukashenko-s-high-tech-ambitions-for-belarus-a-668405.html Alexander Lukashenko has often been referred to as Europe's last dictator. All of a sudden, though, he seems to be on a push to rapidly liberalize Belarus' economy and turn it into a high-tech paradise. But is this socialist island really ready to attract Western investors?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-belarusian-gambler-europe-s-new-eastern-friend-a-623269.html#ref=rss For years, Alexander Lukashenko has been called Europe's "last dictator." Now, though, the European Union has begun making overatures to Minsk, inviting the Belarusian president to a Thursday summit in Prague. Is the country opening up? Wed, 06 May 2009 18:14:12 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-belarusian-gambler-europe-s-new-eastern-friend-a-623269.html For years, Alexander Lukashenko has been called Europe's "last dictator." Now, though, the European Union has begun making overatures to Minsk, inviting the Belarusian president to a Thursday summit in Prague. Is the country opening up?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-flawed-vote-in-belarus-observers-say-election-fell-short-of-democracy-a-581181.html#ref=rss Despite claims that Sunday's elections were free and fair, loyalists of Belarus' authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko won every seat in parliament. On Monday, OSCE observers said the vote had fallen short of Western standards. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:34:25 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-flawed-vote-in-belarus-observers-say-election-fell-short-of-democracy-a-581181.html Despite claims that Sunday's elections were free and fair, loyalists of Belarus' authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko won every seat in parliament. On Monday, OSCE observers said the vote had fallen short of Western standards. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/europe-s-last-dictator-lukashenko-demands-west-accepts-belarus-elections-a-579646.html#ref=rss Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has warned that the West should recognize next Sunday's parliamentary elections as democratic, or Minsk will end current efforts to improve ties. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:49:58 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/europe-s-last-dictator-lukashenko-demands-west-accepts-belarus-elections-a-579646.html Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has warned that the West should recognize next Sunday's parliamentary elections as democratic, or Minsk will end current efforts to improve ties. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/price-dispute-gazprom-threatens-to-cut-natural-gas-to-belarus-a-497815.html#ref=rss Belarus is again facing another major cut in natural gas because of a price showdown with Russia: After agreeing to a higher price in January, Minsk still hasn't paid up. Russia says European supplies aren't threatened. Thu, 02 Aug 2007 14:45:37 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/price-dispute-gazprom-threatens-to-cut-natural-gas-to-belarus-a-497815.html Belarus is again facing another major cut in natural gas because of a price showdown with Russia: After agreeing to a higher price in January, Minsk still hasn't paid up. Russia says European supplies aren't threatened.]]>