Mikhail Suslov

Born in 1902, Mikhail Andreyevich Suslov is an enigmatic figure for most in the CPSU and a fearsome one for the others.

Having been in Soviet politics since his youth, Suslov has steadily risen through the ranks of the party, thanks to his orthodoxy and shrewdness. Starting as a low-level inspector in CPSU's Party Control Commission, responsible for breaches of discipline and appeals for expulsions, his skills were quickly noticed, and by 1933 he was regularly tasked with purging the Party of deviations and revisionists. His loyalty and competence propelled him forward in the establishment. Leading the partisan activity of the Northern Caucasus in the Great Patriotic War, he has gained Bukharin's favor with his adherence to the Party doctrine and trustworthiness by the end of the war.

A staunch hardliner in the politics, he has successfully used Bukharin's favor to establish and organize an orthodox bloc in the Party, aiming to oppose both what he sees as the reformism and bourgeois-democratic overtures of Zhdanov and the outright capitalist policies of Yagoda. Considering the capitalistic approaches in the NEP as the reason for the economic stagnation that is affecting the Union, Suslov advocates for further state control and planning in the economy, seeing it as necessary to achieve socialism and develop the productive forces. Currently the Premier of the CPSU, he is seen as a political mastermind who manipulates the machinations of the Party rather than being under the spotlight and leading personally. Known for his arguments for collective leadership and his state-controlled economy idea, he is also seen as a possible leader who has a defined plan for the USSR. Ultimately opposing both one-man control and factionalism, he has become the most popular figure in the Orthodox wing of the Party. With numerous connections and tolerable policies for many, he is seen as the most likely successor should Bukharin fall or step down.

Yet only time knows what the Red Eminence has in store for the future...