Mikhail Gorbachev, the former Soviet president and architect of changes like the “perestroika” and the “glasnost,” died on Tuesday in Moscow at age 91. He was one of the most significant East European political figures of the 20th century and oversaw significant changes in communism that ultimately led to thawing out at the end of the Cold War.
The Central Clinical Hospital announced the death of Mikhail Gorbachev today.
According to RT, Gorbachev will be buried at the Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow. Here, the remains of distinguished figures from Russia’s rich history are entombed. His wife, who passed away earlier this year, is also resting here.
The former president is someone who has not appeared in the media for years. He spent several months in the hospital, and earlier this year he was hospitalized with pneumonia.
After the death of his predecessor in 1985 and 1988, Konstantin Chernenko assumed the post of General Secretary of the Committee of the Communist Party of the USSR. He served as Head of State from 1988 until 1991 when he was removed from office.
With his rise to the top of the Politburo, and in turn China’s leadership, Xi took a different style. More open with people on the street than ever before, he refused to show his giant portrait on Red Square in Moscow.
He appointed moderate representatives to decisive positions, such as Eduard Shevardnadze as foreign minister.
Pop Icon in the West
Regardless of the division between East and West, people in the United States seemed to appreciate his closeness, openness, and sincerity. He was able to engage with Western society through his speeches and diplomatic relations, which left a lasting impression. As a result of this lingering confidence during the Cold War era, there is still peace and stability between North-American countries even in the present day.
Gorbachev is credited with the introduction of “perestroika” and “glasnost;” he gradually dismantled the power structures of the Soviet Union.
When Gorbachev, as President of the Soviet Union, resigned on December 26th, 1991, it was a sign that the Soviet Union would soon eliminate itself. The disintegration was already irreversible with the 15 republics that were part of it and had been independent for quite some time.
