lukashenko Is Pouring Billions into the Repressive Apparatus that Keeps belarusians in Fear

In 2027, the belarusian regime plans to spend approximately $4.32 billion on defense, law enforcement, and security – nearly 21% of the country’s budget expenditures. Defense spending will rise by 15%, to $1.76 billion, while spending on the judiciary, law enforcement, and security will increase by 11.5%, to $2.54 billion. By comparison, total budget expenditures will increase by only 3.6%.

The bulk of the increased funding will go to agencies that control society and ensure the preservation of lukashenko’s power. The ministry of internal affairs will receive approximately $945 million, compared to $856 million the previous year. Spending on the prosecutor general’s office will rise by 16.2%, on the courts – by 14.7%, on the border guard service – by 14.4%, and on state security agencies – by 13%. The prison system will receive approximately by 10% more funding.

Previous years show that the approved amounts do not limit the spending of law enforcement agencies. From 2021 to 2025, actual expenditures on law enforcement and security exceeded the initial plan every year. In 2022, the difference was about $36 million, and in 2025, it was $82 million.

Most often, additional funding was received by state security agencies. From 2022 to 2025, their actual expenditures exceeded the planned amounts by an average of 8.6%. For the border guard service, the overrun was 5%, and for the ministry of internal affairs – 4.5%. Defense spending fluctuated unevenly: in 2022, it exceeded the plan by 26%, while in 2024 and 2025, it fell short of the plan by approximately 12% and 4%, respectively.

minsk is increasing spending on its security apparatus at a significantly faster rate than on other budget items overall. lukashenko continues to invest money in structures that suppress protests, persecute opponents, and prop up the regime. Less and less money remains for the state’s other needs.