35 years of German unity – honor democracy, don’t forget SED injustice

The state parliament has passed a motion from the CDU parliamentary group on the 35th anniversary of German unity. In it, Parliament recognizes October 3, 1990 as a historical milestone that was made possible by the peaceful protest and the will for freedom of the citizens of the GDR. At the same time, it is emphasized that with reunification, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania received its statehood and a democratically elected state parliament. Even 35 years later, comprehensively coming to terms with SED injustice remains an ongoing task. The state parliament is in favor of particularly honoring the anniversary in autumn 2025 and making the state parliament itself a central place of remembrance. Separate events are planned with the involvement of contemporary witnesses, victims of SED injustice, representatives of the civil movement and students. The focus should be on the achievements of the peaceful revolution, the life achievements of the people in East Germany, the role of the state parliament and the confrontation with SED injustice. In addition, the state government is called upon to strengthen memorial work in the state structurally and financially, to provide more binding support for schoolchildren to visit memorial sites, and to examine the establishment of an “Arno Esch Center for Democracy, Freedom and Reappraisal.” The application was rejected with 32 votes against to 29 votes in favor, with one abstention from Horst Förster (AfD parliamentary group).

Vote breakdown