(Gemini Audio)
(de-news.net) – In advance of the 35th anniversary of German reunification, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has issued a solemn appeal to citizens across both East and West Germany to actively uphold and defend the nation’s democratic values. Addressing attendees at a formal commemorative ceremony in Berlin, the President expressed deep concern over the declining influence of the political center and emphasized the urgent need to reinforce democratic norms and institutions. He warned that political movements intent on undermining democratic structures and polluting public discourse with hostility and inflammatory rhetoric are increasingly finding success at the ballot box, posing a serious challenge to the integrity of Germany’s democratic framework.
The event also served as an occasion to honor 25 individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to promoting social cohesion and solidarity within German society. These honorees were recognized for their significant contributions to strengthening communal bonds and fostering inclusive civic engagement. In his remarks, President Steinmeier highlighted the indispensable role of active citizenship in safeguarding democratic stability, particularly in times of rising polarization and societal fragmentation.
Complementing these reflections, a newly published report by Eastern Commissioner Elisabeth Kaiser (SPD) has shed light on enduring regional differences in identity formation among young Germans. The study reveals a marked contrast in self-perception between youth in the eastern and western parts of the country. While a considerable proportion of young West Germans view the historical East-West divide as largely irrelevant to their personal identity, many young East Germans continue to identify strongly as “Ossis” and place significant value on their regional heritage. Strikingly, the report notes that approximately two-thirds of East German millennials still regard geographic origin as a meaningful and formative element of their identity.
During the presentation of her annual report in Berlin, Kaiser stated that inherited wealth is more prevalent in Western Germany than in the East, due to historical circumstances. In Eastern Germany, children and adolescents disproportionately grow up in households with low income and limited or no assets. However, Kaiser also emphasized that the economy in Eastern Germany has experienced growth, regional development has progressed positively, and the area has taken a leading role in the expansion of renewable energy.
These findings underscore the persistent sociocultural distinctions that continue to shape generational perspectives on national unity, pointing to the importance of inclusion and mutual understanding in bridging historical divides and reinforcing a shared democratic ethos.
