The president, bowing to political reality, has acknowledged before parliament that he was wrong to neglect the human cost of reform. But still he defended his government, saying he doubted anyone else could have done any belter.
Maybe so. These are wrenching times for Russia, and Yeltsin must be applauded for forging ahead with the vital but unpopular measures needed to make his country's economy work after 70 years of communism. But what about the human cost?
Judging by a recent opinion poll of Muscovites, that cost is telling in an erosion of public confidence never before faced by Yeltsin and his team. The survey, conducted by the Betaneli independent polling institute and published in Izvestia, showed support for Yeltsin's economic policy remaining steady from the previous poll at 25 percent. Not too bad, but the poll was conducted before the latest dives of the ruble, which has lost a third of its value against the dollar since Thursday.
The survey, however, also showed that 49 percent of those questioned had a hard time naming a single positive aspect of the present Russian leadership; 45 percent not only could name negative aspects, but did. Topping the list were lack of concern for the population, deception of the people and unfulfilled promises.
Two-thirds of the Muscovites questioned also expressed regret over the breakup of the Soviet Union. and an overwhelming majority - 93 percent - said they were concerned over the fate of fellow Russians living in former Soviet republics; the government, respondents said, should do more to help them return.
More than 400, 000 refugees have already flooded into Russia from the republics, according to Itar-Tass. With the escalating conflicts along the border, this number is certain to rise, increasing the social pressure on the government.
Can Yeltsin cope? His is certainly not an enviable situation, but the president is clearly not ready to throw in the towel. In fact, he took one masterful tactical step Tuesday.
Of the dilemmas facing post-Soviet society, corruption is one of the most intractable. Yeltsin's solution? He named Vice President Alexander Rutskoi, often portrayed as a rival, to head a new anti-corruption squad. In so doing, he shifted at least part of the public confidence problem onto somebody else's shoulders. For Rutskoi, whose popularity had been rising, this is most likely a matter not of too little, too late - but of far too much, too soon.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.