Alexander Lukashenko has been sworn in for a seventh term as president of Belarus, dismissing claims of being 'Europe's last dictator' and asserting the country's democracy. His recent election was criticized as a farce, with significant opposition repression and a human rights crisis. Despite protests and international condemnation, Lukashenko maintains power with support from Russia. Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya continues to advocate for Belarus's freedom from Russian influence.