Boris Yeltsin Reform Russia President
Boris Yeltsin, former larger than life President of the Soviet Union, died on Monday, April 23, 2007 at the age of 76. He was known to have a history of heart challenges and died of heart failure.
Yeltsin was a controversial and important figure in Russian politics and history. It was Yeltsin who presided over the demise of the Soviet Union and Russia’s stormy and difficult transition to democracy and capitalism.
Yeltsin’s greatest moment occurred in 1991 as he climbed up on a tank in front of the Russian “White House”, where old style die hard communists opposed to his reforms were entrenched, and declared that Russia would never again return to a communist form of government. At the time the extent of the power still held by the communist fateful was unknown.
It took great bravery for Yeltsin to place himself into such an outspoken exposed position. There was the very real possibility that he would be placed under arrest by military units faithful to the old regime and taken out and shot in the back of the head in the style of the old Soviet Union.
Yeltsin’s legacy includes being the man who made the hard decisions that lead to democracy taking root in Russia. The Russian people don’t always speak kindly about Yeltsin on this issue as many of them suffered greatly during the transition from a communist style system to one involving free markets.
Most Russians realize how important a figure Yeltsin was in their country’s history but still have conflicted feelings about the man who was most responsible for those changes.
Yeltsin’s legacy must also include the terror of the war in Chechnya. which started on his watch. The nightmare of Chechnya resulted in thousands of civilians being killed; Chechnya’s major towns being razed; and both Mr. Yeltsin’s and Russia’s image damaged the world over. In the end Russia largely withdrew its troops although violence continues to this day.
Yeltsin was known to be a charismatic, forceful personally. He was also known for his fondness of vodka and other alcoholic beverages. At times Russians were embarrassed by his public displays of exuberance and drunkenness. There were times when he could not manage to exit aircraft to meet waiting dignitaries.
Boris Yeltsin. A drunken clown at times but more than any other man he is responsible for the new Russia. He also is largely responsible for the rise of his successor, Vladimir Putin, so his indirect influence on Russian affairs continued long after he left office and will continue long after death.
Under Putin, with income from the sell of energy products soaring, Russia has made tremendous strides with its economy. However, it appears that the man who ushered in democracy in Russia also ushered in a man who favors a more authoritative old Russian style of government.
However the great saga of the new Russia plays out Yeltsin will be remembered as the man who had the guts and force of character to get the democratic reform process rolling. Some Russians hate him for his role in this process, others love him. The older hardliners never forgave him.
Whether admirer or critic or undecided all will remember Boris Yeltsin as one of the giant political figures of the 20th century.
