They had a lot of problems but power was still highly decentralized (a lot of decisions were left to local and regional party bosses). Human rights were never e

They had a lot of problems but power was still highly decentralized (a lot of decisions were left to local and regional party bosses). Human rights were never especially high on the list of priorities but you tended to see the government allow for a degree of experimentation that produced a lot of innovation and led to a vibrant culture. Things are very different now with a one-man cult of personality.