Several politicians paid tribute to Russian Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev 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 Katrin Göring-Eckardt (Greens) on Tuesday evening 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
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.
US President Joe Biden called Gorbachev a "man of exceptional foresight". With glasnost and perestroika, he pushed through democratic reforms in Russia "after decades of brutal political repression." In cooperation with Biden's predecessor Ronald Reagan, he said he met the "prayers for an end to the nuclear arms race" when disarming the nuclear arsenal.
Green politician Jürgen Trittin tweeted: "I bow to a great politician of peace Michael
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised Gorbachev for the "courage and integrity" he showed in ending the Cold War. Especially with regard to the Russian attack in Ukraine, his efforts to open up Soviet society are remarkable.
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that the deceased was a "man of peace" who opened a path to freedom for Russia.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has highlighted the importance of the former Soviet head of state 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 Tuesday evening. 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." Gorbachev died in Moscow on Tuesday evening at the age of 91.
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.
Former Soviet leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Gorbachev died on Tuesday at the age of 91.
