Gorbachev said Friday that corruption and over-dependence on oil exports has aggravated the impact of the global economic crisis on Russia.

He told an audience at his charitable foundation that his concerns about Russia are motivating him to consider creating a political force to oppose the government and pose tough questions. But he expressed little confidence it would find broad support.

Gorbachev, 78, is popular abroad but is disliked by many Russians who blame him for the collapse of the Soviet Union. He has headed two little-known political parties over the past decade.