Former Soviet Prime Minister Nikolai Ryzhkov dies at 94
Nikolai Ryzhkov, whose leadership of the Soviet government spanned from 1985 to 1991, died at the age of 94. His passing was confirmed by Valentina Matviyenko, the Chairwoman of the Federation Council.
8:04 AM EST, February 28, 2024
"Honest, selfless, and responsible. Throughout his career, from his beginnings in factories to his senior role in the State Planning Commission and his leadership of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, he was truly a 'man of labor.' Through his dedicated work, he gained honor, respect, and undoubtedly, a deserving place in history," she noted on Telegram.
Since 1959, Nikolai Ryzhkov was a member of the CPSU, ascending to the Central Committee of the CPSU in 1981, and from 1982 to 1985, he served as the secretary and head of the Economic Department of the CPSU Central Committee. His association with government administration began in 1979. He held the role of Premier of the USSR from September 27, 1985, until January 17, 1991.
Intriguingly, Ryzhkov pursued the presidency of Russia in 1991. He garnered 16.9 percent of the vote, finishing behind Boris Yeltsin.
A 20-year career encapsulated
From 2003 to 2023, Ryzhkov served as a senator for the Belgorod Oblast. He resigned from the Federation Council in early October, citing age as the reason. "I looked at my passport and decided it was time," he remarked.
Within the Federation Council, Ryzhkov chaired the Commission on Natural Monopolies and participated in the Commission on the Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Self-Government, and Northern Affairs. Additionally, he was elected to the State Duma for its II and III convocations in 1995 and 1999, respectively.
