Boris Yeltsin — "The main problem of Russia is the lack of a strong middle class."
The main problem of Russia is the lack of a strong middle class.
Get This Quote & Author's Image Illustrated On:
Click any product to generate a realistic preview. Up to 3 at a time.
* Initial load can take up to 90 seconds — revising the preview in another color is nearly instant.
Kitchen
Apparel
Other
More from Boris Yeltsin
"Democracy is not the power of the majority, but the protection of the minority."
"I am a fighter, and I will fight for Russia."
"The greatest joy is to see Russia free."
"I am a democrat by conviction. But I am also a strong leader."
"The Russian army is a guarantee of our security."
About Boris Yeltsin (1931-2007)
First president of post-Soviet Russia (1991-1999), who climbed atop a tank to defy the August 1991 coup and oversaw the chaotic privatization of the 1990s. Closely associated with Mikhail Gorbachev (his predecessor and rival reformer). For an intellectual contrast, see Gennady Zyuganov, Russian Communist Party leader — Zyuganov came within 3 percentage points of beating the ailing Yeltsin in the 1996 presidential runoff — the closest free election Russia has had, and arguably the moment that decided whether Russia would reverse to communism or continue down the path that led to Putin.