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98%  
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Keyword: axisofspuds

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  • Lukashenko’s potato racket sparks outrage from regime opponents

    06/28/2025 4:32:25 AM PDT · by marcusmaximus · 17 replies
    Politico EU ^ | 6/26/2025 | GREGORY SVIRNOVSKIY
    The Belarusian ruler’s price controls have backfired. Alexander Lukashenko’s stubborn grip on the Belarusian economy plunged the potato-happy country into a spud shortage this spring. Critics of the authoritarian ruler, who in January grabbed a seventh term in power, say he has warped the economy with strict price controls on staples like potatoes — while encouraging citizens to snitch on grocery stores that flout regime rules. The limits, launched by Lukashenko in October 2022 as he aimed to keep prices low and stave off inflation, instead made potatoes far less profitable for farmers to produce. Opponents say that decisions made...
  • Russia economy meltdown as potato prices skyrocket after abysmal harvest season

    05/22/2025 8:32:36 AM PDT · by marcusmaximus · 34 replies
    Express UK ^ | 5/15/2025 | MAX PARRY
    The price of potatoes in Russia has soared by 52% since the start of the year, according to new figures. Imports have failed to offset the poor harvest last year, which saw the total potato crop decline by 12%, according to Reuters. Heavy rain and a frosty spring this year has hit potato farmers, made worse by the fact the area of the country seeded for the crop was reduced after the bumper 2023 harvest which drove down prices. According to Kommersant daily data, potatoes have tripled in price in the supermarkets compared to 2024, reaching a record high of...