The death of former Russian president Yeltsin in April 2007 attracted the attention of countries in the United States and Europe. When this president was in power, he had a huge impact on Russia. Soviet President Gorbachev described him as "both" Carrying a great contribution to this country, but at the same time carrying a serious fault." A person.
Yeltsin
Yeltsin promoted the disintegration of the Soviet Union , but he let the country open a new era without him. But at the time, no one could comment on whether this was right or wrong. To this day, there are many Russians who hate Yeltsin.
British media commentary
The era of Yeltsin has passed, but his influence is far-reaching. On the day of Yeltsin's death, media reports in various countries inevitably mentioned his merits and demerits.
Regarding Yeltsin's death, British Daily Telegraph published this passage to evaluate this controversial figure:
"The famous former Russian President Yeltsin passed away today at the age of 76. Yeltsin led Russia got rid of the shackles of the communist system, but he has not been able to see a prosperous and stable market and a society governed by the rule of law in this land."
Why did the British media comment on this? It all originated from Yeltsin's reforms in 1992. Yeltsin was eager to quickly turn Russia into capitalism for complete Westernization and adopted " shock therapy" and complete private ownership.
"Shock therapy" sounds novel, but it was the chief culprit that caused the Russian economy to plummet at the time. Shock therapy originated from medicine and was later used by economists to refer to the radical transition from a planned economy to a market economy. It is suitable for planned economy and socialist countries, and can be quickly alleviated in the face of economic crisis.
In fact, this measure was the only way for Russia at that time, but under Yeltsin's wrong operation, it caused a rapid economic decline and caused a complete collapse.
Yeltsin did complete the step of complete Westernization, but such a radical command also brought an uncontrollable side effect to Russia. Complete private ownership did create more capitalists, but it also created more accordingly. The declining economy has put Russia in a dilemma and is on the verge of collapse, entering the era of oligarchy, and the country’s fate is shaky.
Although radical reforms partially completed their political tasks, they failed to create economic miracles.
Yeltsin thought that the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the implementation of "shock therapy" would allow Russia to develop rapidly, recover its economy and then be accepted by the West again. But the fact is that the cruel Western countries not only did not accept Russia, but instead eroded Russia wildly and accelerated the pace of Russia's collapse.
Yeltsin failed to get an independent and prosperous Russia after getting rid of the confederacy. His hastily made all this become a fantasy at the time. finally helpless Yeltsin, appointed his successor Putin longed for him to save Russia.
The British media's evaluation of Yeltsin was very gentle, affirming his achievements and expressing a kind of helplessness.
Russian media articles
In Russia’s own news ,They expressed their grief over Yeltsin’s death, and also expressed in the article. “It is difficult for us to comment on the historical merits of Boris Nikolaevich Yeltsin. With the passage of time, only history can do it. Make a fair evaluation of his behavior.”
Russia’s own country cannot make a more accurate comment on Yeltsin, because most people in Russia have never had a consistent evaluation of Yeltsin, and can only distinguish his merits based on most points of view. pass.
From the reaction of the Russian people on the Internet, we can also see many "inconsistencies" intuitively.
After the news of Yeltsin’s death was released, various comments continued to emerge on the Internet. Some netizens who have accepted today’s Russia said in the comments: "I can’t help but feel sad to hear the news of his death, no matter what What did he do, there would be no Russia without him."
However, some netizens expressed dissatisfaction with Yeltsin’s behavior during his lifetime, commenting: "He has hurt this country, have you forgotten it?" also Some netizens wrote: "An era is over." has mixed reviews for him, but the voice of criticism is relatively high.
In fact, most people in Russia think that Yeltsin has committed serious faults. In 1991, " Belover Agreement " was signed with the disintegration of the Soviet Union. In their view, it was the result of Yeltsin's bow to the West for power and interests. After the disintegration, Yeltsin took the position of president, but he did not fulfill his previous promise.
With his management, the Russian industrial production level has fallen sharply, and the living standards of residents have also been affected and regressed sharply.Later, most Russians became poor, and the financial oligarchs that followed took up a lot of the country's resources and began to interfere in national politics.
In the eyes of these Russians, it is precisely because of Yeltsin that Russia will almost collapse.
Although there are many criticisms, the Russian media also listed some of his achievements in order to "save" some of Yeltsin's reputation. Just as Yeltsin suppressed the rebellion of the Emergency Committee in 1991 and lifted Gorbachev_ House arrest by strong6strong. Later, a market economy system was established in Russia, and Russia's democratic and free system was established and defended.
Gorbachev
In addition to these points are more prominent, it also lists such things as "peaceful dissolution of the CPSU without persecuting its members" and "implementation of development to change store shelves. Get rich” and “implement the privatization of real estate, enabling millions of citizens to become owners of their own homes for free”. These "political achievements" seem to be a bit confusing, probably they can't find more deeds about Yeltsin's merits.
But the point is not that. The most conspicuous one is that they even included the appointment of Putin as Russian Prime Minister in their political achievements. It seems that in their eyes Yeltsin's abdication is even commendable. It also shows Russia's true view of Yeltsin.
European and American media
After Yeltsin's death, media and officials in the United States and European countries expressed their regret for Yeltsin's death. The German Foreign Minister said after presiding over the EU Foreign Ministry meeting: "We are very sad to learn that Yeltsin has passed away. The eight years Yeltsin has been with Russia's leadership are the decisive eight years."
"We feel very sad about the passing of former Russian President Yeltsin.In August 1991, Yeltsin showed great courage in the challenges of the time. He led his country through the crisis.
Several major US media have reported the news of Yeltsin’s death. In the comments, the disintegration of the Soviet Union led by Yeltsin and the promotion of Russia’s entry into a democratic economy and economic marketization have been reported. Yeltsin is called a “historic figure” and appreciates Yeltsin’s efforts for the relationship between Russia and the United States.
US National Security Council spokesperson John Dro said Yeltsin has played a decisive role in the development and changes in Russia. We express our deepest condolences to Mrs. Yeltsin, relatives and all the Russian people.
US Fox TV and CNN immediately used "breaking news" The news of Yeltsin’s death was interrupted and a short film about Yeltsin’s life was broadcast. Fox News also published a long article introducing Yeltsin’s life, but the introduction included a lot of examples and criticisms.
It seems that the United States hates Yeltsin more than the Russians. In the article, Yeltsin was described as a conspirator with inconsistent words and deeds, and was called "unconscious."
There are many comments like this, such as "Yeltsin, who was originally the Soviet anti-corruption elite, but overnight Created many billionaires", "Many Russians watched their savings go to waste and the social disintegration created by their ancestors during Yeltsin’s tenure." And it satirizes Yeltsin’s love of drinking.
In addition to the above list, the article tells about Yeltsin’s father was arrested when he was three years old and what a bad little demon Yeltsin was when he was a child.He also made some remarks about Yeltsin in his childhood that sounded obvious accusations. All in all, I can only say that this article is really "American".
Before and after these media, the Associated Press also published, quoting former Soviet President Gorbachev's evaluation of Yeltsin's death, saying that while he made major contributions to the country, he also made serious mistakes.
The Associated Press stated that as Russia’s first president, Yeltsin himself was a contradiction:
He promised to fight corruption before he took office, but he failed to stop it during his presidency A large amount of state-owned assets were lost to private hands; he promoted Russia's market economy reform and developed relations with Western countries, but at the same time, Russia's gross domestic product dropped sharply and the country's population decreased by more than 2 million.
It seems that the US media's evaluation of Yeltsin is more consistent than that of Russia. The difference is only that it is more tactful and more straightforward.
Leaders' evaluation of Yeltsin
In addition to these media, leaders of various countries also reacted to Yeltsin's death.
Former US President Bill Clinton said:
"Boris Yeltsin is a Russian patriot, and he believes that democracy is the only way to restore Russia's great status in the 21st century.
throughout the president Inside, he worked tirelessly to achieve this goal, which also harmed his health, but also brought great benefits to his country.
Clinton
He risked his life Stop the coup,Then, amid economic difficulties and political turmoil, Russia promoted the establishment of partnerships with Cold War opponents and became a member of the Group of Eight.
Destiny gave him a difficult period of reign, but history will be kind to him because he is brave and determined on the major issues of peace, freedom and progress.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair : "I feel sad to learn that the former President Yeltsin has passed away. He is an outstanding person. He is aware of the necessity of democratic and economic reforms. He played a vital role in defending this reform at a critical moment in Russian history.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair
French President Jacques Chirac : "He put all his energy, all his determination to start the transformation generously, and all his determination to Russia China and Israel establish a modern democratic state, restore human rights and freedom, and rebuild the economy. He is committed to peace and will also be remembered as the man who established a new partnership with Europe.
French President Jacques Chirac
Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl: "I will never forget the way he presided over the withdrawal of the Russian army from Germany . For this, the Germans and I will always be grateful.
Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl
Polish President Lech Kaczynski : "Russia, Europe and the world have lost an outstanding politician.Our country still remembers his contribution to the construction of a new Russia and its role in Europe and the world, as well as his role in shaping new standards for relations between Poland and Russia.
Polish President Lech Kaczynski
Former British Prime Minister John Major : "He is the first Russian president elected, and he tries to be the most hopeless Under the circumstances, to inculcate a market economy in Russia. Only a person with great courage and conviction will try to do this. He tried to instill in Russia many of the qualities that we cherish most in the West, and I think to some extent, he opened up Russia in a way that lasted a long time.
Former British Prime Minister John Major
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher : will remain in communism without Boris Yeltsin Under the control of socialism, Baltic countries will not be free. He should be respected as a patriot and liberator. "
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
European Commission President Barroso Russia’s post-communism during the transition period: An important reference figure, as a president, he faces huge challenges and arduous tasks, but he does bring the East and the West closer together.And help replace confrontation with cooperation.
When he bravely faced the coup d'etat aimed at restoring the dictatorship in Russia, people were most impressed by him. He defended freedom with great personal courage. The committee expressed its condolences to Yeltsin’s family, the Russian authorities and the Russian people.
European Commission President Barroso
South African President Thabo Mbeki : "The South African government and people, together with the international community, have joined the international community during this period of national mourning. So President Yeltsin’s family, the government and people of the Russian Federation shared his thoughts and prayers. ”
South African President Thabo Mbeki
Most of the speeches mentioned Yeltsin’s decision-making in reforming Russia from communism to capitalism and implementing a market economy In the eyes of Western countries, Yeltsin’s act of "completely Westernizing" Russia is correct and affirms it.
Impact after Yeltsin’s death
Russia says Yeltsin’s death will not Affecting Sino-Russian relations, Yeltsin was the first Russian head of state to visit China. During Yeltsin’s reign, Sino-Russian relations have made a lot of progress. In 1992, China and Russia declared friendly countries to each other;
Established a constructive partnership in the 21st century; in 1996 the two countries signed the "China-Russia Joint Statement" , announcing that the two countries would develop a strategic partnership of cooperation, and determined the development direction of the relationship between the two countries is "Equality and Trust,Good-neighborly friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation, and common development." Zhou Zunnan, professor of the Department of Foreign Relations, said that Yeltsin’s attitude towards China is very good, and he embodies true equality in handling bilateral relations, and it is Russia that actively mentioned the establishment of two relations. Strategic cooperation with China.
"Before Vladivostok left, Yeltsin first suggested establishing strategic cooperation with China. Zhou said: "Of course, he is also for his national interests. Russia is on the verge of NATO's eastward expansion to resist pressure from the West. "
The Beijing News wrote: "Lu Nanquan, an expert on Russian issues at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, believes that the eight years of Yeltsin’s administration is the most harmonious period of time for the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. He said: ‘Yeltsin has never said bad things about China, nor has he criticized the CCP. He once said that if the CPSU was like the CCP, the Soviet Union would not disintegrate. '”
Lu Nanquan
The Chinese media also expressed their deep condolences after Yeltsin’s death. China expresses its deep condolences for the death of former Russian President Yeltsin. China has lost a close friend.
And the text also mentions that Liu Jianchao said: "Mr. Yeltsin was the first president of Russia. During his tenure, he attached great importance to relations with China. China and Russia have established a strategic partnership of coordination and resolved border issues left over from history. The cooperation in various fields between the two countries has developed rapidly. He has made outstanding contributions to the development of Sino-Russian relations.
In addition to Sino-Russian relations, Yeltsin’s death also marked the complete end of the honeymoon period between Russia and the West. The eastward expansion of the European Union has continuously eroded Russia’s strategic maneuver space, suppressed Russia, and many Western countries’ promises to Russia have not been fulfilled. Now Yeltsin’s death also means that Russia will enter a new era.
After Yeltsin's death, the Russian media also published "The United Nations will not approve the Ahtisaari Kosovo plan" , saying that Russia might use the veto power in the Security Council, thinking that it is now deciding on Kosovo The status is too early.
The mention of Kosovo may be reminiscent. During the Kosovo War, Russia helped NATO get through the problem of Kosovo in order to get Western support.
When the Kosovo War broke out, In order to help NATO, Yeltsin removed the former prime minister of Russia because he was more inclined to Yugoslavia, and then appointed the former prime minister Chernomykin to be responsible for the settlement of the Kosovo issue and the NATO negotiator.
but in May 1999 and In June, eight major powers, including Russia, the West, and Japan, held a meeting to discuss the resolution of the Kosovo war.
The result was the so-called G8 plan, which required Yugoslavia to withdraw its troops from Kosovo after the war, and there was a UN garrison. In order to maintain peace and stability in Kosovo, it must include Russian and Ukrainian troops.
But after Russia persuaded Yugoslavia to pass the plan, the UN forces were secretly replaced by NATO forces.Russian and Ukrainian troops are only additional troops under the leadership of NATO’s "commander-in-chief."
Russia originally wanted to help the West solve this problem and help NATO get rid of the deadlock in bombing Kosovo. In mid-June, NATO won a "victory" in Kosovo, and with NATO's victory, it was Yeltsin's complete defeat. The Kosovo War left Russia with great failure and shame.
Yeltsin’s funeral
After Yeltsin’s death, thousands of people gathered to mourn him. The body was placed in a Moscow church. Russia will prepare a state funeral for him on Wednesday. Christ the Savior in the golden dome In the church, when the priests sang hymns, rows of mourners lined up on the coffin opened by Yeltsin.
Former US President Bill Clinton and George Bush, as well as Yeltsin's political statements towards Mikhail Gorbachev, were all important figures present at the meeting. Yeltsin's body was taken to the cathedral in a black limousine and was welcomed by a guard of honor composed of hundreds of soldiers.
Yeltsin's wife is wearing a black dress and standing next to Yeltsin's body. The Orthodox priest in a white robe is chanting prayers in a low voice. The crowd on the side was crying in low voices.
Summary
Yeltsin was a very special political figure in the history of Russia. His death caused an uproar in the world at that time. The evaluation of his merits and demerits varies from various circles, but he is the number one in Russian history. President, he will occupy an important historical position.
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