Even 31 years after the unification of the GDR and FRG, there is still a great gap in East and West – economically and politically. That also makes Angela Merkel thoughtful. It calls for people to work for democracy every day.
Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for continued commitment to democracy 31 years after German unification. “Democracy is not just there. We have to work for them again and again, every day,” said the CDU politician at the ceremony for the 31st Day of German Unity on Sunday in Halle an der Saale. Sometimes, she is afraid, the democratic achievements are being handled a little too lightly, said the 67-year-old during her probably last major speech as Chancellor.
During this time, attacks on goods as valuable as freedom of the press can be seen. A public can be experienced in which lies and disinformation are used to stir up resentment and hatred. “Democracy is being attacked,” said Merkel. Therefore, nothing less than social cohesion is under scrutiny.
Angela Merkel: Everyone has to reject radicalization
The Chancellor also referred to attacks on people who campaigned for the common good such as firefighters and local politicians. “The verbal brutality and radicalization that can be experienced there must not only be answered by those who fall victim to it, but must be rejected by everyone.” Because all too quickly verbal attacks resulted in violence.
Merkel recalled the courageous efforts of many people in the GDR in the peaceful revolution of 1989/90. One should never forget that it could have turned out differently. She also paid tribute to the democracy movements in Eastern Europe and the support of Western partners on the way to German unification.
Haseloff: “Unity not yet completed”
Federal Council President and host Reiner Haseloff (CDU) promoted joint projects to bring East and West together, because: “Mentally and structurally, the unity is not yet complete”. Haseloff, Prime Minister of Saxony-Anhalt, said: “There are still some major political differences between East and West.” That was shown recently in voting behavior in the federal election. A strong cohesion could also result from common goals. “Under no circumstances should we allow ourselves to be played off against each other in these difficult times,” said Haseloff. Because of the corona pandemic, there was no public festival that was usual until 2019, similar to that in Potsdam in 2020.
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