Germany’s leaders gathered on Thursday to mark German Unity Day, the annual celebration of the country’s reunification, with a call for more support and recognition for the experiences of eastern Germans.
The event took place in Schwerin, the capital of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a state in the former East Germany, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other officials emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by the region.
In a speech from the historic Schwerin Castle, Scholz praised the peaceful unification of East and West Germany in 1990 but acknowledged that significant disparities between the two regions persist, more than three decades later. He noted that while reunification brought freedom and prosperity to many, it also led to upheaval for millions in the east, including the devaluation of their skills, experiences, and life’s work.
“German unity and freedom were finally achieved on this day, but for millions, reunification meant collapse,” Scholz said, highlighting that eastern Germans continue to face economic disadvantages compared to their western counterparts. He stressed that while much progress has been made since the fall of the Berlin Wall, full equality remains elusive.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s premier, Manuela Schwesig, echoed Scholz’s sentiments, pointing out that reunification brought dramatic changes for families in the east, while those in the west saw little disruption. She emphasized that the region remains different in terms of its expectations, attitudes, and life plans, and called for greater efforts to address the ongoing economic and social inequalities.
Scholz reaffirmed the need for continued government action to create better living conditions in eastern Germany, vowing that efforts to close the gap between east and west will continue.
“We are still working toward complete reunification, where opportunities are equal for everyone across Germany,” Scholz said.