Third Program of the CPSU
The Third Program of the CPSU was the Communist Party of the Soviet Union’s official plan, adopted at its 22nd Congress on October 31, 1961. Its main goal was to lay out a realistic path to building communism in the Soviet Union. It was the first program written after the party took the name CPSU; earlier programs were made under different party names.
The program proposed a shift from Stalin’s strict top-down rule to a system of socialist self-government based on communist morality. It included a moral code for those building communism and supported social reforms such as reviving voluntary squads (Druzhinas) and citizens’ courts, and promoting the values of collectivism, initiative, mutual aid, and personal responsibility for the common good. These ideas helped shape social and cultural changes during the Khrushchev era, including a period of reform and transition.
Why a new program was needed: after the 18th Congress it was clear that changes had occurred since the Second Program. At the 20th Congress the Central Committee was tasked with drafting a new program, grounded in Marxist-Leninist theory and shaped by the party’s experience, the experience of socialist allies, and a long-term plan for the Soviet economy and culture. A working group was formed at the Sosny sanatorium near Moscow, led by Boris Ponomarev, to write the draft. About 100 scientists and specialists worked on it for three years. In 1958, experts were given specific assignments; scientists Eugen Varga and Stanislav Strumilin prepared a article outlining 10–15 year development prospects. By 1959, the focus was on theory and practical production calculations, to be provided to Gosplan, the State Planning Commission.
By spring 1961 the draft program was ready and sent to Nikita Khrushchev for his notes. Anastas Mikoyan also contributed, especially on how to handle nationalities within the Soviet Union. After revisions, the draft was reviewed by the Presidium of the Central Committee in May and by the Plenum in June 1961. On July 26, 1961, the Presidium approved the draft. On July 30, 1961, the draft was published in Pravda and Izvestia to invite public discussion. Local party cells sent in reports on the debate, and newspapers and magazines collected letters and comments to be analyzed by working groups.
By September 15, 1961, thousands of pieces of correspondence had been received—about 29,000, with around 5,000 published. In total, millions took part in the discussion: about 44 million people attended meetings or followed the discussion, and roughly 17,080 published items appeared. Some readers suggested abolishing private property and ending special privileges for top leaders, such as chauffeured cars, dachas, and exclusive shops. Despite the broad public input, the Party Programme was approved as drafted, with about twenty editorial amendments resulting from press and congress discussions.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 16:39 (CET).