Viktor Alksnis, the former deputy of the State Duma of Russia and known as the ‘black colonel’, passed away on December 30, 2023, at the age of 74 after suffering from a hemorrhagic stroke. The news of his death has prompted reflections on his life and political career, which were marked by his staunch defense of the Soviet Union.
Alksnis, whose memorial service will take place on January 5, 2024, at the Central Clinical Hospital "RZD-Medicine" from 10 to 11 AM, was remembered by many as a dedicated and principled politician. His daughter, Irina Alksnis, recounted the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his death, which involved him falling unconscious after the stroke and later slipping away after weeks in a coma.
Konstantin Zatulin, first deputy chairman of the State Duma's Committee on CIS Affairs, spoke highly of Alksnis, emphasizing the sincerity and firmness of his beliefs. Zatulin remarked, “he was very principled; one could disagree with him, but you could not doubt his sincerity.” Despite being of Baltic descent, Alksnis was known for advocating the preservation of the Soviet Union, which endeared him to some and earned him many enemies within liberal and nationalist circles.
His political career began before the dissolution of the USSR, and he became particularly prominent during the Congress of People’s Deputies, where he made significant speeches. Zatulin noted, “Despite the turbulent currents developing in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, Alksnis swam against the tide, defending Soviet ideals.” His advocacy for the Soviet model, including his criticism of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union's handling of national challenges, highlights the complexity of his political identity.
Former State Duma member Ruslan Khasbulatov shared condolences, pointing out the stark ideological differences between him and Alksnis. He noted the 'stubbornness' with which Alksnis clung to his beliefs about restoring fundamental communist values, even during the era when Boris Yeltsin was flirting with democracy.
Khasbulatov described Alksnis as embodying “the ideals of communism in their purest form,” praising him for his unwavering stance. He held the view of Alksnis as someone who sought to navigate the revolutionary changes of the late 20th century without succumbing to violence—a notion even Khasbulatov recognized as both admirable and misguided.
The dimensions of Alksnis's beliefs were diverse, ranging from aspirations for restoring the Stalinist regime to advocating for civil rights for citizens to travel freely and access quality education, without bloodshed. This blend of ideology brought him praise and criticism alike.
Reflecting on his legacy, Khasbulatov conveyed the impact Alksnis had on the political discourse of their time. “He was one of the few who tried to defend primordial communist ideas, linking them to early Christian communal ideologies,” he stated, encapsulating the essence of Alksnis's contributions.
On social media, tributes flowed, illustrating both admiration and dissent toward his complex ideology. Some hailed him as a guardian of past communist ideals, whereas others criticized his views as outdated and divisive. His life symbolizes the broader ideological divides still prevalent within Russian politics today.
Alksnis's funeral is expected to draw only close family and friends, reflecting the private nature of his final farewell. Despite the details and timings of the memorial, the waves of discussion about his life and contributions to Soviet politics and Russian identity are far from silent. There remains both confrontational remembrance and reverential reflection on his complex legacy.
His ideology represented not only the remnants of Soviet political life but also serves as a reminder of the intense ideological battles fought throughout Russian history. Alksnis's dedication to his beliefs sparked discussions around the nature of truth, belief, and the fight for ideological purity amid societal changes.
Viktor Alksnis's existence challenges the way we view loyalty, governance, and ideology in contemporary society. His contributions provoke scrutiny not only of socialist ideals but of humanity's struggle with power, belief, and the sacrifices made for them.