Gorbachev seen as likely leader
NZPA-Reuter Moscow Mikhail Gorbachev, aged 54, was named yesterday as head of the commission organising the funeral of the Soviet President, Konstantin Chernenko, the official news agency, Tass, said. This was interpreted by Western diplomats as effectively confirming his position as heir-apparent. Mr Chernenko headed the commission organising the funeral of his predecessor, Yuri Andropov. Mr Andropov in turn had headed the funeral commission on the death of his predecessor, Leonid Brezhnev, in 1982.
Mr Gorbachev is the youngest member of the ruling Politburo, a factor which may now count in his favour rather than against him as many Kremlinwatchers think it did after the death of Mr Andropov. During the two months that Mr Chernenko’s illness kept him from his duties it was made clear that Mr Gorbachev was in charge. Foreign correspondents in Moscow were invited to watch him and his family vote in regional assembly elections on February 24. Normally correspondents are invited to watch the party leader.
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Press, 12 March 1985, Page 8
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166Gorbachev seen as likely leader Press, 12 March 1985, Page 8
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