Germany celebrated the momentous 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall with vibrant festivities on Saturday, centered around the theme “Preserve Freedom!.” However, the celebration took place against the sobering backdrop of ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as growing apprehension regarding the global state of democracy.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized on Friday that the liberal values championed in 1989 “are not something we can take for granted,” a poignant reminder delivered shortly after the turbulent collapse of his governing coalition. This political upheaval occurred amidst a climate marked by significant international challenges.
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Reflecting on the past, Scholz pointed out that history and current global dynamics starkly reveal the fragility of democratic principles, particularly as his three-party coalition imploded concurrently with Donald Trump’s re-election in the United States, plunging Germany into a period of political instability and upcoming elections.
On the historic date of Nov. 9, 1989, East Germany famously opened its borders to the West, a moment sparked by months of peaceful protests that paved the way for German reunification and contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Communist regime.
That “joyful day” serves as a powerful reminder of the sobering reality conveyed by Berlin mayor Kai Wegner during a commemoration service at the Berlin Wall Memorial on Saturday, where he acknowledged “that freedom and democracy have never been a given.”
Retiree Jutta Krueger, 75, who experienced the momentous events firsthand, voiced her disappointment regarding Germany’s political crisis erupting just before the anniversary weekend, articulating that it was “a shame.” She nevertheless urged that it remains essential to celebrate the fall of the Wall, which she remembers as the pivotal moment when East Germans gained the liberty to travel and “freedom had arrived throughout Germany.”
Saturday’s observances at the Berlin Wall Memorial featured the attendance of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, as the event paid tribute to the at least 140 individuals who lost their lives attempting to escape the Russian-backed German Democratic Republic (GDR) during the Cold War.
In the evening, a celebratory “freedom party” with a captivating music and light show was planned at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, located along the former pathway of the concrete barrier that divided the city from 1961 until its fall.
The following day, iconic Russian protest punk band Pussy Riot is scheduled to perform outside the former headquarters of the Stasi, the feared secret police of East Germany, further emphasizing the theme of freedom.
Invitations for the commemorations were extended to pro-democracy activists from around the globe, including notable figures such as Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad, underscoring the event’s international significance.
Both talks and performances will occur, along with an open-air art exhibition showcasing what culture minister Claudia Roth termed “one of the most joyous moments in world history,” continuing to promote awareness about the enduring impact of the wall’s fall.
Along the site, replica placards from the 1989 protests are prominently displayed along a stretch of four kilometers (2.5 miles), reminding all of the fervent spirit of those who fought for freedom.
Art installations will feature thousands of images created by citizens capturing the essence of “freedom,” aimed at highlighting the timeless relevance of this historic event.
Berlin’s chief cultural official, Joe Chialo, expressed that the theme of freedom holds critical importance “at a time when we are confronted by rising populism, disinformation, and social division.”
Axel Klausmeier, president of the Berlin Wall foundation, asserted that the values upheld during the 1989 protests serve as “the power-bank for the defense of our democracy, which today is being gnawed at from both the left and the right.”
Most East Germans, while relieved that the GDR regime has been dismantled, still carry memories of perceived West German arrogance, with existing resentments over wage gaps and pension disparities.
These lingering sentiments have been linked to robust support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, particularly prevalent in eastern Germany, alongside the Russia-friendly and anti-capitalist BSW.
Remarkable election gains for both parties in three eastern state elections in September illustrated the continuing political divides existing between eastern and western Germany, more than 30 years after reunification.
This weekend also serves to recall a grim chapter in German history.
During the Nazis’ Kristallnacht, or Night of Broken Glass pogrom from Nov. 9-10, 1938, over 90 Jews were murdered, tens of thousands were carted off to concentration camps, and a staggering number of properties were destroyed, with approximately 1,400 synagogues set ablaze in Germany and Austria.
“It is very important for our society to remember the victims… and learn the correct lessons from those events for our conduct today,” government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann emphasized on Friday, highlighting the relevance of such historical remembrance in contemporary society.
Her remarks come in the context of recent arrests of several AfD members, suspected of ties to a racist paramilitary group engaging in urban warfare drills, underlining the pressing need for vigilance against hatred and division today.
**Interview with Historian and Political Analyst Dr. Anna Müller on the 35th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Müller. The recent celebrations in Germany marking the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall highlighted the theme “Preserve Freedom!” Can you share your thoughts on the significance of this theme in the current global context?
**Dr. Müller:** Thank you for having me. The theme “Preserve Freedom!” is incredibly relevant today. We are witnessing conflicts, such as those in Gaza and Ukraine, and we’re observing a decline in democratic norms in various regions worldwide. The celebrations serve not only as a reminder of the progress we’ve made since 1989 but also as a wake-up call about the fragility of democracy. We need to actively work to protect and preserve the freedoms we cherish.
**Editor:** Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently emphasized that the liberal values of 1989 “are not something we can take for granted.” What are your thoughts on how this message connects with Germany’s current political climate?
**Dr. Müller:** Scholz’s statement is especially poignant given the backdrop of political instability he faces, particularly after the collapse of his coalition. It signals a broader concern in Europe—where populism and disinformation are on the rise—that we cannot become complacent. The liberal values celebrated during the fall of the Wall must be championed actively, lest we risk backsliding into authoritarianism.
**Editor:** You mentioned the global implications. How did international figures, like Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Masih Alinejad, contribute to the commemoration’s significance?
**Dr. Müller:** Their presence underscores a critical point: the struggle for freedom is universal. This event ties together the narratives of resistance against oppression, whether it’s from a dictatorship in Belarus or the challenges faced by dissidents in Iran. Inviting these leaders not only honors their fights but also fosters solidarity among global pro-democracy movements.
**Editor:** Reflecting on the memories from the time of the Wall’s fall, attendees like Jutta Krueger expressed a mix of pride and disappointment due to current political challenges. How do events like this bridge the past and present?
**Dr. Müller:** Events like these are crucial for remembering our shared history while also encouraging dialogue about current issues. They remind us that the fight for freedom is ongoing. Celebrating monumental moments helps instill hope and resilience in society, even amidst challenges. Engaging the younger generation in these memories can inspire a renewed commitment to democratic values.
**Editor:** The program included a variety of artistic expressions and performances that celebrate this historic moment. Why is art such a powerful vehicle for conveying the message of freedom?
**Dr. Müller:** Art transcends language and can evoke emotions and ideas that may be difficult to articulate. It serves as a poignant reminder of shared experiences and collective aspirations. The art installations, for instance, present a visual narrative of freedom that resonates with people across generations, reinforcing the importance of the values underlying the Wall’s fall.
**Editor:** Lastly, as we reflect on the lessons from the fall of the Berlin Wall, what do you think is the most vital takeaway for today’s society?
**Dr. Müller:** The most vital takeaway is that freedom requires vigilance and active participation. It is a communal responsibility to stand against the forces that threaten democracy and to advocate for the rights of others. The celebration of the Berlin Wall’s fall is a powerful reiteration that the fight for freedom remains, and it is up to all of us to ensure it is preserved for future generations.
**Editor:** Thank you so much, Dr. Müller, for your insights on this important anniversary and its broader implications.
**Dr. Müller:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss this vital topic.
