Political Changes in the Soviet Union Under Gorbachev

Creation of the Congress of People's Deputies

  • Announcement by Gorbachev to establish a new national parliamentary body:
    • Name: Congress of People's Deputies.
    • Purpose: To serve as the "supreme body of power" in the USSR.
  • Structure Change:
    • The old Supreme Soviet would become a smaller, fully elected legislative body.

Shift in Power Dynamics

  • Aims to shift power from the Communist Party to a reformed state structure.
  • The transition process began and evolved over a couple of years.

1989 Elections

  • Notable public mobilization seen during the elections for the Congress in March 1989.
  • Many official party candidates faced defeat:
    • Example: Boris Yeltsin, a non-traditional candidate, won against party favorites.

Gorbachev's Position in 1990

  • Establishment of a new political role:
    • Title: President of the USSR.
    • Elected by the Congress of People's Deputies in March 1990.
  • Constitutional Changes:
    • Article 6 of the Soviet Constitution was repealed, which previously affirmed the Communist Party's leading role in society.
    • This repeal was influenced by Gorbachev's suggestions and intense public pressure.

Gorbachev's Evolution

  • By 1989, Gorbachev began distancing himself from rigid Leninist ideologies:
    • Public Statement: “We no longer think that we are the best and that we are always right, and that those who disagree with us are our enemies.”
  • Acknowledgment of the need for change:
    • His approach was not purely revolutionary; it displayed hesitance towards radical reforms.
    • Attempted to maintain a centrist political stance, causing fluctuations in alliances with the Communist Party.