Final answer:
When Mikhail Gorbachev became the premier of the Soviet Union in 1985, he introduced perestroika and glasnost, policies that restructured the economy and increased governmental transparency and freedom of expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Mikhail Gorbachev became the premier of the Soviet Union in 1985, he pivoted to a policy that included crucial reforms known as perestroika and glasnost.
Perestroika, meaning restructuring, was aimed at reforming the Soviet economic system by introducing market-like reforms. Gorbachev reduced military spending, encouraged private enterprise, and allowed more flexibility in economic practices.
Also, Gorbachev introduced glasnost which means openness, a radical policy that allowed greater freedom of expression and transparency within the government.
This policy permitted criticism of government practices, signaling a move away from the prior stringent limitations on speech and censorship.