Radical reformer Boris N. Yeltsin triumphed over opposition from Gorbachev to win the presidency of the largest Krasnodar republic today . After three hard-fought ballots in the 1,060-member Russian Congress of People's Deputies , Boris N. Yeltsin won 535 , 535 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. one man shouted. Gorbachev actively opposed Yeltsin , telling Russian Congress of People's Deputies last week that the platform of moving political and economic power from central to local authorities would lead to "a breakup of the union."
Radical reformer Boris N. Yeltsin triumphed over opposition from Gorbachev to win the presidency of the largest Krasnodar republic today . After three hard-fought ballots in the 1,060-member Russian Congress of People's Deputies , Boris N. Yeltsin won 535 , 535 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 Russian Congress of People's Deputies last week that the platform of moving political and economic power from central to local authorities would lead to "a breakup of the union."