Final answer:
The policy introduced by Premier Mikhail Gorbachev that was about openness and allowed for criticism of the government was 'glasnost'. This policy differed from 'perestroika', which was focused on economic restructuring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which of Gorbachev's new thinking policies was about openness and being able to criticize the government? The policy of Gorbachev that focused on openness and allowed for criticism of the government was glasnost. In contrast to perestroika, which aimed at economic restructuring, glasnost encouraged a transparent government and supported individual rights including freedom of speech. As part of his reform efforts, Premier Mikhail Gorbachev initiated this policy which let people vent their frustrations and openly criticize the state, a radical change contrasting the previously censored Soviet society.