Belarus' "Subbotnik": Testing social obedience under Lukashenko

On Saturday, Belarus organized a communal work day known as "subbotnik," where, according to authorities, 2.4 million people took part. The Belarusian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, was seen planting apple trees and chopping wood for the cameras. "This is a test of society's obedience," comments political scientist Valery Karbalevich.

The communal workday dates back to the USSR era, when citizens were encouraged to work "for the benefit of society" on their days off. In Belarus, this tradition persists, primarily because Alexander Lukashenko favors it. Reports from various institutions, officials, and parliamentarians highlighted their "fulfillment of duty" during the recent Saturday "subbotnik," which saw the participation of 2.4 million people, according to the authorities.

As has become customary, Lukashenko participated in communal activities in front of the cameras. Accompanied by his son Kolya and a team of assistants, he planted apple saplings in his native region of Mogilev and showcased the proper technique for chopping wood.

"This Soviet tradition serves to test the obedience of officials and society," believes Valery Karbalevich. "If people can be compelled to work for free on a day off, it means the authorities maintain control over them," Karbalevich asserts in an article for the Radio Svaboda website.

The communal workday also plays a role in propaganda by creating "an illusion of social unity, rallying around the power." Karbalevich points out that, while in previous years, the funds raised from the "communal work" were allocated to the construction and renovation of hospitals, this year's efforts are directed towards refurbishing WWII monuments and fostering patriotic education among the youth.

A Belarusian political scientist highlights that Belarus is frequently listed among the countries that utilize forced labor. This is attributed mainly to the state's employment of prisoner labor, the organization of "subbotniks," the mobilization of students for harvest work, and the requirement for state university students to work off their tuition.