Why did Mikhail Gorbachev have trouble retaining support from hard-line communists?

Mikhail Gorbachev faced challenges in retaining support from hard-line communists due to his reforms, such as glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), which aimed to democratize the Soviet Union and reduce state control over the economy. These changes were perceived as a threat to the traditional communist ideology and the power of the party elite. Additionally, his conciliatory approach towards the West and willingness to reduce military commitments were viewed as betrayals by hard-liners, resulting in a significant loss of support among conservative factions within the Communist Party.