Belarusian authorities use national symbols to reduce tension in relations with opposition

Last week, the ‘Vyshyvanka Day’ celebration was held near the Sports Palace in Minks, aiming to promote traditional national Belarusian symbols and ornamental codes, which was organized by the State Youth Union. It is not the first time the Belarusian authorities ‘seize’ the initiative and ideas from the opposition, which become popular among the population. For instance, since mid 2000s, the Belarusian authorities have completely changed their rhetoric about the value of Belarusian sovereignty and independence. National symbols and ‘vishivanki’ were initially popular only among the politicised youth, now the state has picked up this fashion. Some nationalists in the opposition sympathise the authorities’ efforts to promote traditional national symbols. However, the authorities are unlikely either to enable the formation of a system opposition or empower it to gain influence on the state policy.