Germany Commemorates 35 Years Since the Fall of the Berlin Wall
This year, Germany celebrates a significant milestone—the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Under the spirited theme “Preserve Freedom!”, celebrations commenced today, resonating deeply against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and growing concerns that democracy itself is under siege.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, navigating a turbulent week as his coalition faced a dramatic collapse, released a heartfelt message addressing the nation. He reflected, “The liberal ideals of 1989 are not to be taken for granted.” Mr. Scholz’s words echo a crucial reality, adding, “A look at our history and our current global situation makes this clear.” His coalition crumbled on the very day Donald Trump secured re-election, indicating a new wave of political uncertainty for Germany and hinting at yet another round of elections.
November 9, 1989, stands as a monumental day; it marks when the oppressive regime of East Germany finally allowed its borders to open to the West, following months of peaceful protests that sparked a tremendous wave of change. This pivotal moment not only initiated German reunification but also significantly contributed to the downfall of Soviet communism.
“We ought to celebrate the fall of the Wall,” expressed one festivity-goer, emphasizing it as the moment when East Germans could finally traverse freely, heralding an era when “freedom spread across all of Germany.”
The ceremonial events kick off today at the Berlin Wall Memorial, led by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who will pay tribute to the 140 individuals who lost their lives attempting to escape the Moscow-supported German Democratic Republic (GDR) throughout the Cold War era.
This evening promises a vibrant “freedom party” at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, lighting up the night sky with a dazzling music and light show situated along the former path of the concrete divide that severed Berlin for nearly three decades.
On Sunday, renowned Russian protest band Pussy Riot will take the stage, performing just in front of the old Stasi headquarters, a poignant reminder of the East German secret police’s chilling presence.
Global pro-democracy advocates have been invited to join the commemorative proceedings. Among these distinguished guests are Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Iranian activist Masih Alinejad.
The celebrations will encompass talks, artistic performances, and a grand outdoor art exhibition, as described by Culture Minister Claudia Roth as “one of the most delightful moments in global history.”
Replicas of protest banners from the historic 1989 demonstrations will decorate four kilometers along the Wall’s former trajectory, passing essential sites like the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie.
Moreover, thousands of pieces of art crafted by citizens will adorn the exhibits, all revolving around the concept of “freedom,” emphasizing how vital this historical moment remains even today.
Berlin’s cultural czar, Joe Chialo, stressed the significance of the chosen theme when he stated, “We find ourselves in a time marked by surging populism, pervasive disinformation, and increased social divides.”
Axel Klausmeier of the Berlin Wall Foundation weighed in, asserting that the values ignited by the 1989 protests “serve as the lifeblood for defending our democracy, which faces threats from both the far left and right.”
While many East Germans feel a sense of relief regarding the GDR’s demise, remnants of unease linger. Some harbor lingering grievances about the perceived condescension from those in the West, leading to frustrations over persistent disparities in wealth and pensions.
These sentiments have been linked to the robust support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the East, as well as for the Russia-friendly, anti-capitalist BSW. This past September’s state elections underscored the long-lasting political rifts between East and West Germany that have endured for over thirty years following reunification.
Although Scholz’s government, formed by the Social Democrats, stands firmly behind Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression, the anti-establishment AfD and BSW express opposition to this stance. Intriguingly, the AfD faced a public relations nightmare this week when several of its members were apprehended for alleged ties to a racist paramilitary outfit conducting urban warfare training.
As the anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall approaches, government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann drew attention to another, more somber chapter in Germany’s past. She reminded everyone that the weekend also coincides with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, which took place on November 9-10, 1938. During this tragic event, over 90 Jews were killed, countless properties were devastated, and 1,400 synagogues were set ablaze across Germany and Austria.
Ms. Hoffmann emphasized, “It’s vital for our society to remember the victims and to extract the appropriate lessons from those horrific occurrences for the way we choose to conduct ourselves today.”
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring