Alexander Lebed quotes

Alexander Lebed was a Russian military officer and politician, recognized for his role in the Soviet and post-Soviet eras. Widely known for his straightforward style, he played a key part in various peacekeeping efforts, including in Transnistria. He became a prominent public figure in Russian politics, running for president and serving as governor of Krasnoyarsk Krai. Here are 10 of his quotes:

I mean that at least 80% of the Russian people feel destitute. It's the people who had their past and future taken from them - they don't get paid - many of them face a wall. They have nowhere to go.

Alexander Lebed

First of all I would make about 80% of the people law-abiding citizens again. The policy which is carried out now makes every entrepreneur and businessman a thief against his own will.

Alexander Lebed

You must go deeper into Russia - 150 kilometres from Moscow or more, and look there. The kids are fed with cattle feed - people don't get paid for half a year.

Alexander Lebed

I am a Soviet man, and Yeltsin is a Soviet man - maybe our grandchildren will be different.

Alexander Lebed

There is no reason why I should call myself a democrat.

Alexander Lebed

For 73 years a totalitarian regime ruled the country. Totalitarian regime.

Alexander Lebed

As I understand I took most so-called democratic states about 200 years on average to build their democracies. That is why, when we go to sleep under totalitarian rule and wake up in a democracy, it makes me laugh.

Alexander Lebed

I counted on sixty days only, but I held out for 133. I didn't go into power, but to get power I borrowed some power from the President and made him sign a number of decrees and give me enough power to create a system capable of handling crisis situations.

Alexander Lebed

I have equal contempt for both left and right radicals.

Alexander Lebed