What Russian word became associated with freedom of speech as part Perestroika program in the late

The Russian word that became associated with freedom of speech as part of the Perestroika program in the late 1980s is "гласность" (glasnost).

Glasnost translates to "openness" or "transparency" in English and refers to the policy of increased political and social freedom implemented by Mikhail Gorbachev during his time as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. It aimed to promote free speech, greater freedom of the press, and a more open dialogue within Soviet society.

While "glasnost" encompassed more than just freedom of speech, it became synonymous with this particular aspect of the reforms, as it allowed for previously censored information and viewpoints to be expressed openly. This led to a surge in public debate, criticism of the Soviet system, and ultimately, contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union.