The death of Mikhail Gorbachev has resounded in all corners of the continent, leaving a trail of assessments about the imprint of the leader who put an end to the Soviet era.
The most veiled has been, precisely, that of the current Russian government. President Vladimir Putin has expressed his “deep condolences” for the death in a first reaction in which the Kremlin has not valued the figure of Gorbachev.
The Executive must now decide what kind of tributes it offers to a former leader who continues to generate certain misgivings in the toughest sectors within the country, since they see in him the symbol of the end of a stage of greatness and not the promoter of the reforms that the West recognizes so much.
In addition, the isolation of Moscow as a result of the invasion of Ukraine complicates the presence of foreign leaders at the future funeral, for which there is still no date.
“He opened the way to a free Europe”
For the moment, from the community environment what they have done has been to praise his figure and claim his legacy. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyendefined him as a “trusted and respected leader” who “played a crucial role in ending the Cold War and bringing down the Iron Curtain”.
“He opened the way to a free Europe,” underlined the German policy, stating that he leaves “a legacy that we will not forget.”
“It changed the course of history”
The Secretary General of the UN, Antonio Guterreswas “deeply saddened” by the death, whom he remembered as “a statesman who changed the course of history.”
“He did more than any other individual to end the cold war peacefullyGuterres applauded in a statement with which he wanted to convey his condolences to both the Gorbachev family and the citizens and the Russian government.
The UN chief lamented that “the world has lost an imposing global leader, committed to multilateralism and a tireless advocate for peace“.
In fact, Guterres wanted to recall part of the speech that Gorbachev gave when receiving the Nobel Prize in 1990: “Peace is not unity in similarity, but unity in diversity.”
Example against Russian aggression
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnsonhighlighted the former Soviet leader as an “example” to be highlighted in a context marked by the “aggression” launched on Ukraine by the current Russian president.
“I have always admired the courage and integrity he showed in bringing about a peaceful conclusion to the Cold War,” Johnson said on Twitter, stressing that “his tireless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example to all.”