Politicians around the world pay tribute to Russian Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
“He played a crucial role in ending the Cold War and the fall of the Iron Curtain. He paved the way for a free Europe. We will never forget this legacy.” – EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
“I have always admired the courage and integrity he showed in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful end. At a time of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, his relentless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example for us all.” – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
“Without Gorbachev, the peaceful revolutions in the countries of the Eastern Bloc would have been unthinkable here. His words encouraged us, made me strong.” – Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt (Greens)
“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 Education Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP)
“His death is depressing. Even more during this time.” – Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (Greens)
“I bow to a great politician of peace Michael Gorbachev” – Green politician Jürgen Trittin
“The CDU mourns the loss of a statesman whom Germany could trust and who trusted us.” – CDU leader Friedrich Merz
According to a spokesman, Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed his deepest sympathy for the death of Mikhail Gorbachev. Putin will send the family a telegram on Wednesday morning, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced on Tuesday evening in Moscow.
The “author of a new way of thinking” who gave the country and the world a new lease of life had died, wrote Alexei Kudrin, chief of the Russian Audit Office.
