MOSCOW, MAY 31, (from RIA Novosti correspondent Alexandra Akayeva) -- Mikhail Gorbachev's running for President is doomed to failure, something which, as astrologists think, he himself is perfectly aware of. The only aim pursued by the former USSR President in contending for the Presidency of Russia is to remind the public of himself as a major political figure. Such a forecast was made by Vice-President of the Russian Astrological Society Alexei Penzensky at the Journalists' Club here today. He offered the journalists horoscopes of some other candidates for the highest post in the Russian state, too.
Alexander Lebed's astrological chart is one of a Napoleon who has not met with his Waterloo. In spite of his outward toughness, he is a man with a keen sense of humour, easily adapting himself to any situation. In Penzensky's view, Lebed is inclined to the rigid methods of leadership. If he is ever destined to head the state, this will be an undemocratic, illiberal ruler of a conservative type.
"Vladimir Zhirinovsky's 'dictatorial ways' are no more than play, although his political ambitions are rather great. This is a clever and cunning person capable of seeing the root of a problem. The only thing that prevents him from creating a dignified image of himself are shortcomings of upbringing. In June, the situation concerning him will shape up in a very unfavourably manner, the astrologist thinks.
The part of Grigory Yavlinsky is, perhaps, the most tragic one. He is a man of the opposition, a person of struggle, who is little capable of doing anything as an independent politician. If Yavlinsky is destined to become a leader, then one having authoritarian, not liberal, leanings. He is inclined to make impulsive decisions and is very vulnerable, touchy and unpredictable.
Gennady Zyuganov's horoscope contains no indication of his independence and strength of character. The leader of Communists appears to be a person with too many complexes, as in his childhood and youth, from the standpoint of the astrologist, he was thought to be efficient, yet not very capable. At the same time, he actively seeks to hold leading posts. Most likely, Penzensky remarked, this is a man of straw who, in the event of coming to power, will soon be ousted.
The astrologist described Boris Yeltsin as "a man much more open than all the other candidates taken together." Despite his outward gloom, he is rather good-natured and cheerful. Like Yavlinsky, he is unpredictable, but the sudden decision he makes, even though they seem to be devoid of logic at their face value, are actually "insights by nature." (kur/var)