Belarus Approves 'Ensuring Law and Order' Program for 2026-2030 with Significant Funding

Government Approves 'Ensuring Law and Order' Program

The Belarusian government has officially approved the state program 'Ensuring Law and Order' for the period of 2026-2030. This initiative, formalized by Council of Ministers' Resolution No. 752 dated December 23, is a substantial infrastructure project focused on the construction and reconstruction of facilities for key security and law enforcement agencies. The program aligns with the national security priorities outlined in the Republic of Belarus' National Security Concept, which was approved on April 25, 2024.

Significant Financial Allocation and Project Scope

A total of 571.1 million Belarusian rubles has been allocated from the republican budget for the program's implementation, equivalent to approximately 196.17 million US dollars. These funds are earmarked for improving the operational capabilities and infrastructure of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, its Internal Troops, and the national penitentiary system. The program details the construction and renovation of 12 facilities for internal affairs agencies, 10 facilities for internal troops, and 4 facilities for the penal system.

The funding distribution highlights a strategic focus:

• 223.7 million Belarusian rubles for internal affairs agencies.
• 250.4 million Belarusian rubles for the Internal Troops, representing the largest share of the allocation.
• 97 million Belarusian rubles for the Department of Corrections, which manages the penitentiary system.

Expenditures are projected to be highest towards the end of the five-year period, with over 129 million Belarusian rubles in 2029 and 151 million Belarusian rubles in 2030.

Agencies Involved and Program Objectives

The program's primary goal is to enhance the efficiency of the national security system by improving the operations of the involved agencies.

• The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) is the central government agency responsible for law enforcement, internal troops, and ensuring public order and security in Belarus.
• The Internal Troops, a paramilitary force under the MIA, are tasked with guarding corrective institutions, maintaining social order, and preventing terrorism, among other missions. They have also been noted for their role in suppressing peaceful protests.
• The penitentiary system, overseen by the Department for the Execution of Punishment (attached to the MIA), comprises various correctional facilities, including prisons and pre-trial detention centers.

While the program aims to enhance working conditions and attract qualified personnel, a representative from BELPOL indicated that the program is not directly related to public safety but rather focuses on strengthening and expanding the state's security infrastructure. The performance assessment methodology for the program emphasizes financial and construction metrics, without including social or human rights indicators.

Context and Implications

The approval of this program underscores Belarus's commitment to reinforcing its internal security apparatus over the next five years. The substantial investment in infrastructure for law enforcement and correctional facilities reflects a strategic priority to maintain and strengthen state control and order. The focus on construction and renovation, particularly for the Internal Troops, suggests a continued emphasis on the physical capabilities of these state bodies.