His policy of 'perestroyka' led to more openness and ultimately the collapse of the USSR. He was the first soviet leader not personally trained by Stalin.He had to deal with the consequences of the worst nuclear disaster ever (Chernobyl),which could not simply be covered over politically or by secrecy.He admitted the soviet economy had supply and demand problems that needed significant repair.He admitted soviet industry had extreme inefficiency.He requested more honest and open press coverage.he increased the price of a loaf of bread.
