Radical reformer Boris N. Yeltsin triumphed over opposition from Mikail Gorbachev to win the presidency of the largest Soviet republic today. After three hard-fought ballots in the 1,060-member Russian Congress of People's Deputies, Yeltsin won 535, four more than the majority he needed. Gorbachev faces a formidable challenge from Yeltsin, although a spokesman for the Soviet Foreign Ministry said the election could strengthen Gorbachev's campaign for economic reforms. The vote was held amid growing fears that Russia is on its way toward an authoritarian government similar to those seen under President Vladimir V. Putin and his predecessor, Boris N. Yeltsin.
Radical reformer Boris N. Yeltsin triumphed over opposition from Mikail Gorbachev to win the presidency of the largest Soviet republic today. After three hard-fought ballots in the 1,060-member Russian Congress of People's Deputies, Yeltsin won 535, four more than the majority he needed. Gorbachev faces a formidable challenge from Yeltsin, although a spokesman for the Soviet Foreign Ministry said the election could strengthen Gorbachev's campaign for economic reforms. Gorbachev actively opposed Yeltsin, telling the Russian Congress last week that the platform of moving political and economic power from central to local authorities would lead to "a breakup of the union."