Germany is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall this weekend with a series of events as the country faces a deep political crisis.
Berlin’s Mayor, Kai Wegner, described 9 November 1989 as "a happy day that reminds us that freedom and democracy have never been taken for granted" during a ceremony also attended by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz similarly emphasised the importance of the values from 1989, stating these "should not be considered a given."
The Berlin Wall, built in 1961, stretched 155 kilometres around West Berlin to stop the exodus from the former East Germany. It became the symbol of the Cold War, dividing democratic Western Europe, supported by the United States, and the communist bloc, controlled by the Soviet Union.
Twenty-eight years later, crumbling communist regimes in Eastern Europe led to the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November, following a confusing statement by party leader Günter Schabowski.
The event paved the way for the collapse of communism, German reunification, and the integration of nascent democracies in Central and Eastern Europe into the European Union.
Throughout this weekend, Berlin remembers this historic day with a four-kilometre stretch showcasing replicas of protest signs from 1989. Creative plaques express citizens’ attachment to freedom and democracy.
Saturday evening will feature concerts where musicians will play songs like David Bowie’s “Heroes” which was written about the wall. On Sunday, Russian punk band Pussy Riot will perform at the former Stasi headquarters.
Guests include Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad. The event’s slogan, "protect freedom", is designed to resonate in this era where democracy is under siege.
A woman passes by segment of the Berlin wall during the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, on 9 November, 2024 in Berlin. Credit: Belga / AFP
In Germany, gloom prevails as Scholz’s coalition crumbles following the dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading to uncertainty in the eurozone’s largest economy.
Recent regional elections in the former East Germany highlight the country’s political polarisation and extremism. The far-right AfD achieved historic gains and is currently second in national polls.
This weekend also marks the sombre anniversary of Kristallnacht. On 9-10 November 1938, the Nazis led a pogrom which at least 90 Jews, deporting tens of thousands to concentration camps, and burning down 1,400 synagogues in Germany and Austria.
