Boris Yeltsin

First Russian Federation president

Contemporary influential 161 sayings

Sayings by Boris Yeltsin

I am a simple man, but I have a big heart.

Approx. 1990s — Attributed, often used to describe his populist image
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must not be afraid to make mistakes.

1993 — Speech
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest victory is to win the trust of the people.

1996 — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a democrat, but I am also a patriot.

1994 — Speech
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The future of Russia is bright, despite all the difficulties.

1999 — Speech
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I’ll lie down on the rails before I let reforms be reversed.

1992 — Defending economic reforms
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a democrat by conviction, but a dictator by profession.

1993 — Self-description
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I was so drunk I don’t remember if I resigned or not.

1994 — Alleged remark after heavy drinking
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

When I’m angry, I’m scary.

1996 — Threatening political opponents
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I want to apologize for everything we did to Germany during the war.

1999 — Controversial apology to Germany
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You can't make a revolution in white gloves.

1991 — Speech to supporters in Moscow
Controversial Unverifiable

Democracy is not the power of the majority, but the protection of the minority.

1992 — Interview with Time Magazine
Controversial Unverifiable

The Soviet Union is dead. Long live Russia!

1991 — Speech after the collapse of the USSR
Controversial Unverifiable

I am tired of being president.

1999 — Resignation speech
Controversial Unverifiable

The most important thing is to make sure that Russia never again returns to totalitarianism.

1993 — Interview with The New York Times
Controversial Unverifiable

I have always been a fighter. And I will continue to fight for Russia.

1994 — Speech to the Federal Assembly
Controversial Unverifiable

The reforms in Russia are irreversible. There is no going back.

1995 — Interview with CNN
Controversial Unverifiable

I am a democrat by conviction. But I am also a strong leader.

1992 — Press conference in Washington D.C.
Controversial Unverifiable

The market will put everything in its place.

1992 — Speech to Russian businessmen
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't regret anything. I did what I had to do.

2000 — Memoirs, 'Midnight Diaries'
Controversial Unverifiable