Ruslan Khasbulatov, Russian economist and politician, Died at 80

Ruslan Imranovich Khasbulatov: Economist and Political Figure

Ruslan Imranovich Khasbulatov, known for his impactful role during the events leading up to the 1993 constitutional crisis in the Russian Federation, was a distinguished Russian economist and politician. He was born on 22 November 1942 in Tolstoy-Yurt, a village near Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, and his life was profoundly shaped by his contributions to both politics and economics.

Early Life and Academic Pursuits

Ruslan Khasbulatov faced adversity from the beginning when, in February 1944, he and his family were forcibly relocated to Central Asia during the Chechen deportations. Undeterred, his thirst for knowledge led him to pursue education in Almaty and later in Moscow in 1962. In the vibrant academic atmosphere of Moscow, he focused on law studies at the esteemed Moscow State University.

Upon graduating in 1966, Khasbulatov became a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, where he continued to deepen his academic insights. His interests shifted towards the political, social, and economic development of capitalist nations, leading him to earn several advanced degrees between 1970 and 1980. During the 1970s and 1980s, he authored numerous books on international economics and trade, showcasing his profound understanding of the subject.

Political Career and Collaboration with Boris Yeltsin

In the late 1980s, Khasbulatov transitioned into the political arena, collaborating closely with Boris Yeltsin, an emerging figure in the Communist Party. His political trajectory took a significant turn when he was elected to the Congress of People's Deputies of the Russian SFSR in 1990. During this period, he stood alongside Yeltsin in successfully opposing the attempted coup in 1991.

Khasbulatov's political evolution continued, culminating in his departure from the Communist Party in August 1991. On 29 October 1991, he was elected as the speaker of the Supreme Soviet of RSFSR.

Pivotal Role in the 1993 Constitutional Crisis

Despite being a Yeltsin ally during the resistance against the 1991 coup, Khasbulatov's relationship with Yeltsin soured after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Post-USSR disintegration, he consolidated his influence over the Russian parliament, becoming the second most powerful figure, second only to Yeltsin himself.

The escalating clash of egos between Khasbulatov and Yeltsin played a pivotal role in igniting the Russian constitutional crisis of 1993. In this tumultuous time, Khasbulatov and Vice-President Alexander Rutskoy led the Supreme Soviet of Russia in a power struggle against the president. The crisis culminated with Yeltsin's forceful assault on and subsequent dissolution of the parliament in October 1993.

Aftermath and Later Years

Subsequent to the crisis, Khasbulatov and other parliament leaders were arrested. In 1994, after the election of a new Duma, he, along with other key figures of the anti-Yeltsin resistance, received a pardon.

In the later years, Khasbulatov contemplated running for the 2003 election for President of the Chechen Republic, following the Second Chechen War. However, he ultimately decided against entering the race. During the 2021 Chechen head election, he endorsed the incumbent, Ramzan Kadyrov.

Retiring from active politics, Khasbulatov returned to his roots as a teacher of economics. He established and led the Department of International Economy at the Plekhanov Russian Academy of Economics (REA). He remained an active commentator on political developments in Russia.

Ruslan Imranovich Khasbulatov's profound contributions to Russian politics and his enduring interest in economics positioned him as a significant figure in the nation's history. The news of his passing emerged on 3 January 2023.