Yeltsin should go

More than ever before, absurdities are rampant in Russia these days.

It is quite understandable that the protesting workers and citizens, led by independent unions, staged a nationwide strike. While honest workers and senior citizens are left unpaid, many of the new rich in Russia are fattening themselves by tax evasion, often in collusion with corrupt government officials.

There is little chance that the situation will be remedied under President Boris Yeltsin. His regime is being maintained by a community of interests composed of the new rich and their allies in the government.

Yeltsin, who assumed power on a reformist ticket, can honor his promise only by surrendering the reins of government to a new leader. This is the message that the disgruntled Russian public issued last Thursday, and the message needs to be heard.

-- Mainichi Shimbun, Tokyo