Boris Nemtsov. Too Unknown a Man. A Reply to the Rebel

Two years after the tragic death of politician Boris Nemtsov, passions and debates surrounding his personality have not subsided either in Russia or in the West, where he is regarded as almost the "father of Russian democracy." For some, the name Nemtsov has become a symbol of the "struggle for freedom" and "liberalism," while for others, it is synonymous with "betrayal of Russia" and "the collapse of the country." Perhaps no other politician from the era of the "wild nineties" is spoken of and written about as much, while the names of others have already been forgotten. As for Nemtsov's governorship in Nizhny Novgorod, this period has developed numerous legends in the spirit of "the region became advanced," "there was the capital of reform," etc. In this work, which is the first book about the scandalously famous reformer, his biography and political activities are discussed in detail for the first time, from the beginning of his career to the collapse of the government of young reformers in August 1998. It includes little-known facts about Nemtsov's work as governor of Nizhny Novgorod region and as Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian government, numerous statements and proclamations he made, his psychological traits are revealed, as well as the reasons for his appeal and the motivations behind his actions in politics and in personal life. In addition, the work addresses several intriguing questions: Was Nemtsov a democrat? Did he really make his Nizhny Novgorod region prosperous, only to be "eaten" up in the government? Why did Yeltsin want to make him his successor, but then abandon that intention? What role did Nemtsov play in promoting certain individuals to the political Olympus and in the downfall of others? To what extent was the image of Nemtsov crafted by himself and his entourage, etc.