Meaning: The quote is attributed to Anatoly Chubais, a prominent Russian politician and economist who played a significant role in the transition of the Soviet Union to a market economy. The quote refers to the historic election that took place in 1989, marking the first time alternative candidates were allowed to participate in local government elections in the Soviet Union. Chubais mentions that he personally arranged special training for these alternative candidates, highlighting his involvement in the political and democratic processes during this pivotal time in Soviet history.

The 1989 election in the Soviet Union was a significant event that marked a turning point in the country's political landscape. Until that time, the Soviet government had maintained a monopoly on political power, with only a single candidate typically running for each position in elections. However, as the winds of change swept across Eastern Europe, particularly in the wake of Mikhail Gorbachev's policy of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), the Soviet Union began to experience a loosening of political restrictions.

The emergence of alternative candidates in the 1989 election represented a departure from the traditional one-party system that had characterized Soviet politics for decades. This development signaled a move towards greater political pluralism and the opening up of the electoral process to a wider range of voices and perspectives. Anatoly Chubais's involvement in arranging special training for these alternative candidates underscores the efforts being made to prepare and support individuals who were challenging the established political order.

Anatoly Chubais's role in providing training for alternative candidates reflects his active engagement in fostering democratic practices and supporting the emergence of a more diverse and competitive political landscape in the Soviet Union. As a prominent figure in the political and economic sphere, Chubais played a key role in shaping the direction of the country's transition towards a market-oriented economy and a more open political system.

Chubais's involvement in the training of alternative candidates also sheds light on the broader societal and political changes taking place in the Soviet Union during this period. The 1989 election and the participation of alternative candidates marked a significant step towards greater political openness and the expansion of political participation beyond the confines of the ruling Communist Party.

The significance of the 1989 election and the participation of alternative candidates cannot be overstated, as it represented a fundamental shift in the political dynamics of the Soviet Union. The inclusion of alternative candidates paved the way for a more competitive and diverse political landscape, setting the stage for future developments that would ultimately lead to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the emergence of independent states.

Overall, Anatoly Chubais's involvement in arranging training for alternative candidates during the 1989 election underscores the pivotal nature of this historic event and the broader transition towards greater political openness and pluralism in the Soviet Union. His actions reflect a commitment to fostering democratic practices and supporting the emergence of a more diverse and competitive political environment during a transformative period in the country's history.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Anatoly Chubais encapsulates the significance of the 1989 election in the Soviet Union, where alternative candidates participated in local government elections for the first time. Chubais's involvement in arranging special training for these candidates reflects his active engagement in fostering democratic practices and supporting the emergence of a more diverse and competitive political landscape during a pivotal period in Soviet history. This event marked a significant step towards greater political openness and the expansion of political participation beyond the confines of the ruling Communist Party, laying the groundwork for the profound changes that would ultimately reshape the political and social landscape of the Soviet Union.