Daily Life in Belarus – Between Absurdities and Everyday Reality

Belarus, often called “Europe’s last dictatorship,” is a country where daily life looks completely different from democratic nations. Although, at first glance, the capital, Minsk, appears to be a modern city with clean streets and well-organized spaces, in reality, society functions within a system full of paradoxes and absurdities.

1. Omnipresent Surveillance – The State Sees Everything

In free countries, surveillance cameras are common but primarily serve security purposes. In Belarus, surveillance is a tool for controlling citizens. The state monitors online activity, records phone conversations, and tracks any suspicious activity. Strict censorship is in place—access to opposition websites is regularly blocked, and VPN users may expect visits from security services.

➡️ Absurdity: If you post something critical about the president on social media, you may be summoned for questioning or even imprisoned for “defaming the state.”

2. Money and Economy – The Illusion of Stability

Belarus is one of the few countries in Europe where a centrally planned economy is still in place. Workers in state-owned factories or offices often receive their wages in unexpected forms—such as vouchers for state-owned stores instead of cash.

➡️ Absurdity: Some products in stores can only be purchased on specific days of the week, e.g., sugar on Tuesdays and milk on Thursdays.

3. Servility of Officials – A System Built on Informants

Free countries encourage active citizenship and critical thinking. Meanwhile, in Belarus, it is better to keep your opinions to yourself—informing on others is an unwritten norm. In government offices, schools, and even among neighbors, distrust prevails because anyone could be an informant for the KGB.

➡️ Absurdity: There have been cases of people being arrested for “clapping too long” during protests or for not clapping at all at official events.

4. Political Holidays – Mandatory Attendance

Anyone who has lived in Belarus knows the concept of “voluntary-compulsory” state celebrations. Workers, students, and schoolchildren are required to participate in parades, marches, and rallies in honor of the regime.

➡️ Absurdity: Participation in presidential elections is practically mandatory, and the results are predetermined.

5. Internet and Technology – A Controlled Reality

Belarus is a country where the internet does not function freely. Opposition websites are blocked, and messaging apps like Telegram are regularly disrupted. Even cafés must register who is using their Wi-Fi.

➡️ Absurdity: During the 2020 protests, the government shut down the internet across the entire country to hinder the organization of demonstrations.

6. Transport – Soviet Reality in the 21st Century

While transportation systems in Europe are being modernized, in Belarus, you can still see buses and trains straight out of the Soviet era. The ticketing system is outdated, and inspections are extremely strict.

➡️ Absurdity: A passenger without a ticket may receive a fine several times higher than the fare itself, and paying the fine with a card is often impossible.

Conclusion

Life in Belarus is a daily balancing act between complying with absurd regulations and trying to live normally. The system controls every aspect of life, yet many residents have found ways to navigate this reality. For people from democratic countries, visiting Belarus can be a shocking experience, highlighting the immense value of freedom.