Reactions to Gorbachev’s death: “His words made us strong”

The news of the death of former Soviet leader Gorbachev has caused grief around the world. Numerous politicians recognized his contribution to the end of the Cold War. Russian President Putin expressed deep condolences.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his deepest condolences over the death of Mikhail Gorbachev, a spokesman said. Putin will send the family a telegram in the morning, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced. Former Soviet leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Gorbachev died on Tuesday at the age of 91.

Scholz praises Gorbachev as a courageous reformer

Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised Gorbachev as a courageous reformer. The former Soviet head of state dared a lot, said Scholz. His policies made it possible “that Germany could be united and the Iron Curtain has disappeared”.

Thanks to Gorbachev, Russia was also able to attempt to establish a democracy. Now he died at a time “when not only did democracy in Russia fail,” but when Russian President Vladimir Putin was also digging new rifts in Europe. “That’s why we’re thinking of Mikhail Gorbachev and we know how important he was for the development of Europe and our country in recent years,” said Scholz.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed Germany’s eternal gratitude. “Michael Gorbachev was guided by peace and understanding between people in fateful moments in our history. The end of the Cold War and German unity are his legacy,” she wrote on Twitter. “We mourn the loss of a statesman to whom we are eternally grateful.”

Merkel: “Gorbachev wrote world history”

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel called Gorbachev “a unique world politician”. In a statement, she wrote: “May the memory of his historic achievement give a moment of pause, especially during these horrific weeks and months of Russia’s war against Ukraine.” It was with great sadness that she heard the news of Gorbachev’s death, the former Chancellor continued. “Gorbachev wrote world history. He showed how a single statesman can change the world for the better”. Without Gorbachev’s courage “in glasnost and perestroika, i.e. in openness and restructuring, the peaceful revolution in the GDR would not have been possible.”

“A brave man of conviction”

Several federal politicians also paid tribute to the Russian Nobel Peace Prize winner shortly after his death became known. Without Gorbachev, “the peaceful revolutions in the countries of the Eastern Bloc would not have been conceivable here,” wrote Bundestag Vice President and Green politician Katrin Göring-Eckardt on Twitter. “His words have encouraged us, made me strong.”

Germany owes a lot to Gorbachev, Federal Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP) also wrote on Twitter. “He ushered in the end of the Cold War, enabled Germany’s reunification and gave his country a democratic momentum. A brave man of conviction whose voice will be missed.”

Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (Greens) made a similar statement and added: “His death is depressing. Even more so at this time. Thank you & #RIP”. Green politician Jürgen Trittin tweeted: “I bow to a great politician of peace Michael #Gorbachev RIP”.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz wrote on Twitter: “The CDU mourns the loss of a statesman who Germany could trust and who trusted us.” Without him, “German unity in freedom” would not have been possible.

“Man of a Remarkable Vision”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres was “deeply saddened” by Gorbachev’s death. Guterres said he was a “unique statesman” who changed the course of history. “He did more than anyone else to bring the Cold War to a peaceful end.” The 73-year-old Portuguese expressed his condolences to the family of Gorbachev and the people of Russia.

US President Joe Biden praised Gorbachev as a “man with a remarkable vision”. After decades of brutal political repression, he advocated democratic reforms in the Soviet Union. “These were the actions of an extraordinary leader – one who had the imagination to see a different future possible and the courage to risk her entire career to achieve it. The result was a safer world and greater freedom for Millions of people,” Biden said.

“A role model for all of us”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to Gorbachev’s historical legacy. “I have always admired the courage and integrity he showed in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful end,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. He also confronted Gorbachev with Putin. “At a time of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, his relentless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example for all of us,” Johnson wrote.

French President Emmanuel Macron called Gorbachev a “man of peace”. Macron wrote on Twitter that his decision opened “a path to freedom” for the Russians. “His commitment to peace in Europe has changed our common history.”

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of Gorbachev for Europe. “He played a crucial role in ending the Cold War and the fall of the Iron Curtain,” von der Leyen wrote on Twitter. She described Gorbachev as a leader who was reliable and respected. “He paved the way for a free Europe. We will never forget this legacy.”

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised Gorbachev as an exemplary politician to this day. “His vision of a better world remains a role model,” Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter. Gorbachev’s “historical reforms” led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and opened up the “possibility of a partnership between Russia and NATO.”