November 3, 1995
Web posted at: 2:55 p.m. EST
From Correspondent Siobhan Darrow
MOSCOW (CNN)-- When the Soviet Union fell, it took much of Russian Communism with it. Now Communism is making something of a comeback. The new Communism is expected to do well in December's elections because the old Soviet ways appeal to some who feel they've been duped by democracy.
The old Soviet anthem is welcome music to a man who's an honored guest in the far-flung Siberian town of Omsk -- a man who hopes to raise the red flag again in Russia. While campaigning for Russia's multiparty parliamentary elections may not be in keeping with good Communist tradition, Gennady Zyuganov's message is.
"The Soviet form of power was one of the highest forms of democracy on the planet. Farmers, teachers, doctors, workers were all represented, all nationalities," Zyuganov said.
While generally unapologetic of his party's past sins, the leader of Russia's new Communists understands times have changed.
"We recognize the necessity of a multi-faceted economy, composed of government, collective and private sectors. We endorse a pluralistic system when parties compete for votes," he said.
True to his word, Zyuganov spoke to Moscow's American Chamber of Commerce -- clearly trying to put at ease the audience full of American businessmen.
"I was pleasantly surprised for the Communist party leader, he seems to have some pretty progressive opinions," said William Humnicky, an American businessman.
This revamped Communist appears as comfortable wooing Western businessmen in Moscow as he does promising to curtail painful economic reforms to his supporters in Omsk.
But it is the latter performance that seems to be winning the votes. Communists swept a local election in Volgagrad recently as a sign perhaps of things to come.
Omsk, an industrialized town on the Volga, is known for its leftist leanings, yet many analysts say this Communist comeback is no exception and predict a strong showing in December's election.
"The most important thing is that order is established in the country, wherever you look you see things are a mess, in one factory you don't get your pay, in another there is no work," said a Russian worker.
Better organized than the Democrats, the Communists pledge to bring order to a country many believe is in chaos. They speak of the issues troubling many Russians.
To the impoverished, a promise to cushion the blow of reforms. To the humiliated, a vow to restore the Soviet Union and make Russia superpower again. Promises that are sure vote-getters.
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