Boris Yeltsin's funeral: The first to be sanctioned by the Russian Orthodox Church for a head of state since the funeral of Emperor Alexander III in 1894.

Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin (Russian: Борис Николаевич Ельцин; 1 February 1931 – 23 April 2007) was a pivotal figure in late 20th-century Russian history, serving as the very first president of the Russian Federation from 1991 to 1999. His political journey mirrored the dramatic transformations of his era, shifting from a dedicated member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, which he joined in 1961 and left in 1990, to a self-declared political independent. During this latter period, he became widely associated with the ideologies of liberalism and Russian nationalism, reflecting a profound ideological evolution that would shape the nascent Russian state.

Early Life and Rise Through the Ranks

Born into a poor peasant family in Boutka, a village in the Ural Oblast, Yeltsin's humble beginnings stood in stark contrast to the powerful positions he would later hold. He spent his formative years growing up in Kazan, located in the Tatar ASSR. After pursuing higher education at the Ural State Technical University, he initially embarked on a career in the construction industry. His entry into the Communist Party of the Soviet Union marked the beginning of his political ascent. Yeltsin diligently climbed the party's hierarchical ladder, demonstrating an early aptitude for leadership and administration. His dedication culminated in 1976 when he was appointed First Secretary of the party's committee in Sverdlovsk Oblast (now known as Sverdlovsk Region), a significant position that underscored his growing influence within the Soviet system.

From Reform Supporter to Dissident

Initially, Yeltsin was a vocal supporter of the ambitious "perestroika" (restructuring) reforms initiated by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, which aimed to revitalize the stagnant Soviet economy and political system. However, his enthusiasm soon waned as he grew increasingly critical, perceiving Gorbachev's reforms as too cautious and insufficient. Yeltsin became a proponent of more radical change, openly advocating for a transition to a multi-party representative democracy, a stark departure from the Soviet Union's one-party rule. His growing dissatisfaction with the status quo reached a climax in 1987 when he made history as the first individual to resign from the powerful Politburo, the highest policy-making body of the Communist Party. This audacious act cemented his image as an anti-establishment figure and significantly boosted his popularity among a populace yearning for change.

Presidency and the Dawn of a New Russia

Yeltsin's momentum continued to build. In 1990, he was elected chair of the Russian Supreme Soviet, effectively becoming the head of the legislative branch of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR). A year later, in 1991, he achieved an even greater milestone, being directly elected as the president of the RSFSR in the first popular presidential election in Russian history. As the Soviet Union teetered on the brink of collapse, Yeltsin forged crucial alliances with various non-Russian nationalist leaders, playing a pivotal role in the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union in December of that year. This momentous event, often symbolized by the signing of the Belovezh Accords, saw the RSFSR transform into the independent state of the Russian Federation, with Yeltsin seamlessly continuing in office as its first president.

Economic Transformation and Political Turmoil

Upon assuming the presidency of the newly independent Russian Federation, Yeltsin embarked on a monumental and often turbulent mission to transform Russia's centrally planned command economy into a capitalist market economy. He implemented a series of radical reforms collectively known as "economic shock therapy." These measures included the rapid liberalization of prices, the introduction of a market exchange rate for the ruble, and an extensive program of nationwide privatization, aimed at transferring state-owned enterprises into private hands. While intended to quickly establish a market economy, these reforms led to significant economic volatility, hyperinflation, and widespread social dislocation. Amidst this dramatic economic shift, a small, well-connected group of individuals, who would come to be known as "oligarchs," acquired a substantial portion of the national property and wealth, often through controversial means, while international monopolies began to exert dominance in the emerging market. This period was marked by a dramatic increase in economic inequality, creating immense hardship for large segments of the population.

His presidency was also marred by significant political crises. In 1993, a major constitutional crisis erupted when Yeltsin, clashing with the parliament over the pace and direction of reforms and the distribution of power, issued a decree dissolving the Russian parliament, an act deemed unconstitutional by many. In response, parliament attempted to impeach him. The standoff escalated into an armed uprising, with anti-Yeltsin forces seizing key buildings in Moscow. The crisis concluded only after troops loyal to Yeltsin stormed the parliament building, known as the White House, brutally quashing the rebellion. Following this decisive victory, Yeltsin introduced a new constitution that significantly expanded the powers of the president, laying the groundwork for a more centralized executive branch. Domestically, his tenure was further complicated by secessionist sentiments in the Russian Caucasus region, leading to a series of devastating conflicts including the First Chechen War (1994-1996), the War of Dagestan (1999), and the Second Chechen War, which began in late 1999.

International Relations and Reelection

On the international stage, Yeltsin sought to foster renewed collaboration with Europe and played a significant role in post-Cold War diplomacy, signing several arms control agreements with the United States, such as the START II treaty, aimed at reducing strategic nuclear arsenals. Despite widespread public dissatisfaction with the economic situation and the ongoing conflicts, Yeltsin managed to secure reelection in the 1996 presidential election. However, this victory was heavily criticized by many, both domestically and internationally, who alleged pervasive corruption and widespread electoral irregularities, questioning the fairness and legitimacy of the process.

End of Presidency and Legacy

Facing growing internal pressure and struggling with declining health, Boris Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned from office on New Year's Eve 1999, effectively by the end of the year. He designated his chosen successor, Vladimir Putin, who was then serving as prime minister, to take over the presidential duties. After leaving office, Yeltsin maintained a remarkably low public profile, largely withdrawing from political life. He passed away on April 23, 2007, and was accorded a state funeral, a solemn acknowledgment of his profound, albeit contentious, contribution to Russian history.

Boris Yeltsin remains a deeply controversial figure in Russia and beyond. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, he commanded immense popularity, viewed as a champion of democracy and an antidote to Soviet authoritarianism. However, his reputation suffered considerable damage due to the severe economic hardships and political crises that defined his presidency, leading him to leave office widely unpopular with the Russian population. He garnered significant praise for his instrumental role in dismantling the Soviet Union, transforming Russia into a representative democracy, and introducing new political, economic, and cultural freedoms that had been suppressed for decades. Conversely, he faced strong accusations of economic mismanagement, presiding over an era of massive growth in inequality and corruption, and, in the eyes of some critics, undermining Russia's standing as a major world power. His legacy is thus a complex tapestry of revolutionary change, democratic aspirations, and profound national challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boris Yeltsin

Who was Boris Yeltsin?
Boris Yeltsin was a Russian and Soviet politician who served as the first president of the Russian Federation from 1991 to 1999. He played a pivotal role in the collapse of the Soviet Union and Russia's transition to a market economy and representative democracy.
What was his role in the dissolution of the Soviet Union?
Yeltsin was instrumental in the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991. As president of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR), he allied with other non-Russian nationalist leaders, culminating in the signing of the Belovezh Accords, which declared the Soviet Union dissolved and established the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
What were "economic shock therapy" and its consequences?
"Economic shock therapy" refers to the rapid and radical economic reforms Yeltsin implemented in Russia to transition from a command economy to a capitalist market economy. These included price liberalization, mass privatization of state assets, and a market exchange rate for the ruble. While aiming for quick market integration, the consequences were severe: high inflation, economic volatility, a significant rise in inequality, widespread poverty, and the controversial emergence of powerful oligarchs who acquired vast wealth.
What was the 1993 constitutional crisis about?
The 1993 constitutional crisis was a major political confrontation between President Yeltsin and the Russian parliament (Congress of People's Deputies and Supreme Soviet). It stemmed from a power struggle over economic reforms and the distribution of authority between the executive and legislative branches. Yeltsin's decree dissolving parliament was deemed unconstitutional, leading to parliament's attempt to impeach him and an armed standoff in Moscow that ended with loyal troops storming the parliament building. The crisis concluded with a new constitution that significantly strengthened presidential powers.
Why was his presidency controversial?
Yeltsin's presidency was controversial due to several factors: the perceived corruption of the 1996 election, the harsh social and economic consequences of his "shock therapy" reforms, the rise of inequality and oligarchs, the bloody Chechen Wars, and the 1993 constitutional crisis. While credited with ushering in democracy and market reforms, he was also blamed for economic mismanagement and undermining Russia's international standing.
How did he become president of Russia?
Yeltsin was elected as president of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) in June 1991, winning the first popular presidential election in Russian history. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991, the RSFSR became the independent Russian Federation, and Yeltsin seamlessly continued in office as its first president.
Who succeeded Boris Yeltsin?
Boris Yeltsin resigned on December 31, 1999, and was succeeded by his chosen successor, Vladimir Putin, who was serving as Prime Minister at the time. Putin then won the presidential election held in March 2000.