Germany commemorated 35 years since the historic fall of the Berlin Wall with vibrant festivities on Saturday, embracing the theme “Preserve Freedom!” This celebration took place against a stark backdrop, overshadowed by ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as increasing apprehensions about the global state of democracy, which many fear is under siege.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the fragility of the liberal ideals that emerged in 1989, asserting that these principles are “not something we can take for granted.” Scholz’s remarks came shortly after his coalition government faced a significant collapse, heightening concerns about the country’s political stability.
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In a broader commentary on the world’s current political climate, Scholz stated, “A look at our history and at the world around us shows this,” reflecting on how his three-party coalition imploded on the very day Donald Trump was re-elected as US president, a development plunging Germany into political turmoil and prompting the need for new elections.
November 9, 1989, is etched in history as the pivotal day when East Germany opened its borders to the West following prolonged, peaceful protests. This monumental event not only laid the groundwork for German reunification but also signaled the decline of Soviet Communism across Europe.
At a commemoration service held at the Berlin Wall Memorial on Saturday, Berlin mayor Kai Wegner poignantly noted that while the day marked a “joyful day,” it also served as a stark reminder that “freedom and democracy have never been a given,” urging attendees to reflect on the ongoing struggle for these values.
Reflecting on the weight of the political crisis that emerged just before this significant anniversary, retiree Jutta Krueger, 75, expressed her disappointment. She remarked, “But we should still really celebrate the fall of the Wall,” recognizing that it symbolized a monumental shift allowing East Germans the freedom to travel, which she described as the moment “freedom had arrived throughout Germany.”
Saturday’s commemorative event at the Berlin Wall Memorial featured the presence of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and paid tribute to the at least 140 individuals who lost their lives attempting to flee the repressive, Russian-backed regime of East Germany during the Cold War.
Enduring relevance
As night fell, a lively “freedom party” featuring an impressive music and light show was scheduled to take place at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, marking the historical path where the concrete barrier once divided the city since 1961.
The following day, the renowned Russian protest punk band Pussy Riot was set to perform outside the notorious former headquarters of the Stasi, the feared secret police of East Germany.
Prominent pro-democracy activists from around the globe, including Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad, were invited to participate in the weekend’s commemorations.
Events throughout this significant weekend included discussions, performances, and an open-air art exhibition, which culture minister Claudia Roth hailed as “one of the most joyous moments in world history.”
Along a stretch of four kilometers (2.5 miles) where the Wall once stood, replica placards from the protests that sparked in 1989 have been displayed, allowing visitors to connect with the historical significance of those demonstrations.
Art installations throughout the commemorative events featured thousands of images created by citizens on the theme of “freedom,” highlighting the enduring relevance of this historical moment.
Joe Chialo, the top cultural official in Berlin, remarked that the selected theme was especially crucial “at a time when we are confronted by rising populism, disinformation, and social division,” emphasizing the need for unity.
Axel Klausmeier, head of the Berlin Wall Foundation, articulated his belief that the values and aspirations of the 1989 protests serve as a “power-bank for the defense of our democracy, which today is being gnawed at from the left and the right.”
Populism and division
The infamous “wall of shame” was erected in 1961, encircling West Berlin to stem the outflow of citizens from the Western Bloc into Communist East Germany.
While most East Germans are grateful for the end of the GDR regime, many still harbor unresolved grievances about the perceived condescension of West Germans, alongside lingering resentment regarding discrepancies in income and pensions that persist today.
These sentiments are believed to contribute to the strong support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in eastern regions, as well as for the Russia-friendly, anti-capitalist BSW.
Recent state elections in September underscored these divisions, revealing strong gains for both parties and exposing enduring political rifts between the eastern and western parts of Germany—over three decades after reunification.
This weekend also serves as a reminder of a darker episode in German history.
During the Nazis’ Kristallnacht or Night of Broken Glass pogrom of November 9-10, 1938, at least 90 Jews were brutally murdered, tens of thousands were rounded up and sent to concentration camps, and countless properties were destroyed—over 1,400 synagogues were set ablaze across 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 asserted on Friday, reflecting the urgency of remembrance amidst contemporary challenges.
Her statement came shortly after several members of the AfD, known for their anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric, were arrested on suspicion of being involved in a racist paramilitary group conducting urban warfare drills, further emphasizing the ongoing struggle with extremism in German society.
**Interview with Dr. Anna Müller, Political Historian, on the 35th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Müller. As we mark 35 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, how significant is this anniversary in the context of today’s global political climate?
**Dr. Müller:** Thank you for having me. This anniversary is incredibly significant, especially when we consider the ongoing conflicts in places like Gaza and Ukraine, as well as the rising concerns about democracy around the world. It serves as a poignant reminder that freedom and democracy must be actively defended and are not guaranteed, just as Chancellor Scholz emphasized in his remarks.
**Editor:** Chancellor Scholz pointed out the fragility of democratic ideals born from the events of 1989. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Müller:** Absolutely. Scholz’s comments reflect a deep-seated awareness that the values which emerged from the fall of the Wall—liberty, justice, and democracy—are under threat not only in Germany but globally. His remarks resonate strongly in the wake of his coalition’s collapse, highlighting how quickly political stability can unravel. It’s a call to action for all of us to remain vigilant and engaged in upholding these ideals.
**Editor:** At the commemorative events this past weekend, attendees were reminded that freedom has never been a given. How should we interpret this in our current context?
**Dr. Müller:** The sentiment expressed at the events, especially by figures like Berlin mayor Kai Wegner, is crucial. It serves as a call for reflection on the ongoing struggles for democracy and human rights, not just in historical contexts but also in today’s geopolitical landscape where authoritarianism seems to be resurfacing. This reminder can galvanize citizens to participate actively in democracy, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past are honored through continued engagement in the present.
**Editor:** There were also discussions about rising populism and division. What impact do you think this has on the legacy of the fall of the Berlin Wall?
**Dr. Müller:** The legacy of the Wall is, in many ways, a blueprint for how people can mobilize for change. However, in our current climate marked by populism and division, we must use this legacy to counteract those trends. Activists and leaders, like Axel Klausmeier, have underscored the importance of the values from 1989 as a “power-bank” to defend our democracy today. The history of the Wall shows that unity in purpose can overcome division, and this is a lesson we must apply now.
**Editor:** Lastly, with events like the performances by Pussy Riot and exhibitions on freedom, how do you see the role of culture in this commemoration?
**Dr. Müller:** Culture plays a vital role in the remembrance and promotion of democratic values. Artistic expressions, such as performances and art installations curated for the anniversary, serve not only as a celebration of freedom but also as an educational platform. They allow people to connect emotionally with the history of the Wall and the ongoing quest for freedom globally. Culture can inspire action and foster solidarity, which is particularly important as we face the challenges of today.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights. The stark reminders of our past and their relevance to our present challenges provide a profound context for this anniversary.
**Dr. Müller:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical moment to engage with our history and shape our future.
