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Russian politics, economy riding on outcome of Yeltsin surgery
Government tries to reassure the public
November 4, 1996
Web posted at: 11:20 a.m. EST (1620 GMT)In this story:
- Investments 'very risky'
- Can things 'get worse?'
- Government reassurances ...
- ... but questions persist
- Related stories and sites
From Correspondent Jim Bittermann
MOSCOW (CNN) -- There is much more than Boris Yeltsin's health riding on the outcome of his heart surgery. Russia's economic and political future will also be affected.
Business hates uncertainty. For example, the agribusinessmen who run a huge greenhouse complex outside Moscow say international investors are too worried about Yeltsin's health to commit any new money to the project. And the Russian stock market has been on a rollercoaster since Yeltsin's heart problems were confirmed earlier this year.
Investments 'very risky'
"It is very risky to put money into any long-term investments, because it is unclear what will happen in six months, not to mention a year," says Valerei Kozyrev of TRK Financial Corp.
Can things 'get worse?'
The uncertainty also extends to the country road leading to Yeltsin's hunting lodge. As women trying to scratch out a living selling fruits and vegetables wait for customers, they also say they're waiting for someone to make good on a Yeltsin campaign promise that pensions and back salaries will be paid.
"Is it possible for things to get worse?" asked one apple seller. "We would like to eat three times a day, not just once," she tells CNN.
Government reassurances ...
Repeatedly since Yeltsin was first confined to the hospital, members of his administration have tried to reassure Russians that the government would address their concerns and carry out the president's promises, even if the president himself was not sitting in his office.
"Can any of you name any major negative events that have happened due to his (Yeltsin's) inability?" Yeltsin Chief of Staff Anatoly Chubais asked reporters recently at a Moscow news conference.
"I'm not saying we have an ideal situation but I cannot recall a single episode when the state machine was stalled because we couldn't get a decision from the president."
... but questions persist
But with every reassurance came more questions -- often raised in Russia's parliament. Yeltsin's absence created a power vacuum that drew out the worst ambitions of his lieutenants, reminiscent of times past when ailing communist chiefs put the entire nation on hold and potential successors jockeyed for power.
Over the decades, Russia has become used to dealing with ailing leaders. But, after last summer's elections, many Russians expected the fall to bring change for the better. It hasn't happened and the bleak Russian winter lies ahead.
Given the state of Yeltsin's health these past months, many Russians may be able to forgive the forgotten campaign promises. But what some will never forgive or forget is Yeltsin's statement during the campaign that he was in good health to begin with.
Related stories:
- Doctors meet to set date for Yeltsin's heart surgery - November 4, 1996
- Poll: Most Muscovites don't think Yeltsin's in charge - November 1, 1996
- Not even taxes are certain in Russia - October 25, 1996
- Russian stocks tumble amid Yeltsin's health concerns - September 23, 1996
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